President Trump said on Thursday that his administration is still weighing the possibility of sending back the Afghan refugee’s family. “Well, we’re looking at that right now,” he told reporters when asked whether the wife and children of the 29‑year‑old suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal might be deported.
He followed up with, “We’re looking at the whole situation with family. It’s a tragic situation,” as he announced that 20‑year‑old West Virginia National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom had died following the ambush.
The attack occurred about two blocks from the White House, around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, when Lakanwal opened fire on two guardsmen. Beckstrom, who was shot in the head and chest while walking with Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, was rushed to the hospital and remained critical until she passed away Thursday night. A third guard intervened and took Lakanwal into custody, who is also wounded. He faces at least three counts of assault with intent to kill and criminal possession of a weapon, both carrying up to 15 years in prison.
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 after the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan and settled in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and at least five children under the Biden‑era Operation Allies Welcome program. The United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, had already said that first‑degree murder charges would be pursued if either soldier died from their injuries.
During a Thanksgiving‑night call to a handful of military units, Trump announced the soldier’s death. “She’s just passed away,” he said, adding, “She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now,” while calling Beckstrom an “incredible person, outstanding in every single way.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that federal prosecutors will explore the death penalty against Lakanwal.
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