National Guard member shot near White House dies
One of the National Guard members shot near the White House on Wednesday died from her injuries, President Donald Trump said.
U.S. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old from West Virginia, died from her injuries. Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, also of West Virginia, remains in critical condition.
Beckstrom started serving in the National Guard in June 2023 and was “outstanding in every single way, in every department,” Trump said.
The suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, is an Afghan national who entered the country in 2021 under former President Joe Biden’s Operation Allies Welcome, according to the FBI.
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Lakanwal had a “relationship in Afghanistan with partner forces.” Patel said in a Thanksgiving Day news conference that the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Lakanwal was shot during the incident and is at an area hospital, officials said. The charges against him are expected to be upgraded now that one of the guard members has died.
Latest News Stories
Public education budgets balloon while enrollment, proficiency, standards drop
Crypto companies ask Trump to block bank data fees
Illinois news in brief: Cook County evaluates storm, flood damage; Giannoulias pushes for state regulation of auto insurance; State seeks seasonal snow plow drivers
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Will County Board Executive Committee for August 14, 2025
Peotone Schools Face ‘Fiscal Cliff,’ Board Considers School Closures and New Construction
Governor defends mental health mandate, rejects parental consent plan
Illinois quick hits: Arlington Heights trustees pass grocery tax
Plan launched to place redistricting amendment before voters in 2026
Committee of the Whole Eyes School Closures and New Construction Amid Budget Crisis
Acting, Consulting Superintendents to Lead Peotone Schools During Owens’ Absence
Peotone School Board Rejects Mandating Live-Streaming in 4-3 Vote
Illinois GOP U.S. Senate candidates point to economy, Trump gains
Meeting Summary and Briefs: Peotone Board of Education for August 18, 2025
Lawmaker criticizes $500 student board scholarships amid lowered K‑12 standards