November 28, 2025/

National Guard member shot near White House dies

Spread the love

By Kim Jarrett
The Center Square

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.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Oversight committee expands probe on 'politically motivated' debanking

Oversight committee expands probe on ‘politically motivated’ debanking

By Sarah Roderick-FitchThe Center Square As part of the investigation into possible “politically motivated discrimination” by the financial system during the Biden administration, the House Oversight Committee is expanding its...
'Brutal slog:' Government shutdown looms as bipartisan negotiations derail

‘Brutal slog:’ Government shutdown looms as bipartisan negotiations derail

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Government funding negotiations came to a standstill Tuesday after President Donald Trump cancelled talks with Democratic congressional leaders, saying no meeting “could possibly be productive”...

WATCH: Republican leader: says Pritzker budget cut EO a ploy for IL tax increases

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker blames President Donald Trump for ordering Illinois state agencies to find 4% budget cuts....
Nebraska attorney general sues Lorex over Chinese surveillance concerns

Nebraska attorney general sues Lorex over Chinese surveillance concerns

By Tom JoyceThe Center Square Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers filed a lawsuit Tuesday against home security camera company Lorex. He says the company misled consumers about the safety of...
Colorado pushes ahead on clean energy as EV funding returns

Colorado pushes ahead on clean energy as EV funding returns

By Elyse ApelThe Center Square Colorado is once again set to receive $57 million in federal monies as part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Grant program. This comes after...
Trump lectures UN, Western Europe for policy failures

Trump lectures UN, Western Europe for policy failures

By Morgan SweeneyThe Center Square In a fiery address to the U.N. General Assembly at its 80th session in New York City, President Donald Trump outlined his position and priorities...
Arizonans vote on successor to U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva

Arizonans vote on successor to U.S. Rep. Raúl Grijalva

By Zachery SchmidtThe Center Square Arizonans cast ballots Tuesday in a special election to select the next representative for the state’s 7th Congressional District. This seat opened after U.S. Rep....
Google says Biden admin 'pressed' it to censor some COVID-19 content

Google says Biden admin ‘pressed’ it to censor some COVID-19 content

By Thérèse BoudreauxThe Center Square Senior Biden administration officials pressured Google to remove COVID-19-related content that did not violate YouTube’s policies but the administration considered alarming, new information reveals. Following...
Judge’s questions during IL gun ban arguments gives rights advocates ‘hope’

Judge’s questions during IL gun ban arguments gives rights advocates ‘hope’

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – With Illinois’ gun ban now in the hands of a three judge panel of the federal appeals...
Illinois agencies to post monthly investment reports, lawmaker calls symbolic

Illinois agencies to post monthly investment reports, lawmaker calls symbolic

By Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Illinois agencies must now post monthly reports on how taxpayer dollars are invested, a move supporters...
Illinois quick hits: Pritzker orders 'efficiencies' for state spending; Marshalls recover missing child

Illinois quick hits: Pritzker orders ‘efficiencies’ for state spending; Marshalls recover missing child

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square Pritzker orders 'efficiencies' for state spending Gov. J.B. Pritzker is directing state agencies to identify up to 4% of Fiscal Year...
WATCH: AR15s protected by 2nd Amendment; advocate reacts to appeals court hearing

WATCH: AR15s protected by 2nd Amendment; advocate reacts to appeals court hearing

By Greg Bishop | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – In today's edition of Illinois in Focus Daily, The Center Square Editor Greg Bishop provides highlights from...
Fiscal Fallout: Illinois spending swells 43% under Pritzker

Fiscal Fallout: Illinois spending swells 43% under Pritzker

By Jared Strong | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Discretionary spending by Illinois state leaders has increased more than $16 billion since J.B. Pritzker became governor...
Lake Land College.6

Lake Land College to Name Nursing Simulation Lab for HSHS St. Anthony’s After Major Gift

Article Summary: Following a significant financial gift from HSHS St. Anthony's Memorial Hospital, the Lake Land College Foundation has recommended naming the new Nursing Simulation Lab at the Effingham Technology...
Casey Westfield School Board.3

New Incentives and Homecoming Plans Underway at Casey-Westfield Schools

Article Summary: School principals updated the Board of Education on a variety of new programs and upcoming student events, including a new "Boo Bucks" incentive program at Monroe Elementary and...