Two National Guardsmen, critically injured in a shooting incident in Washington DC, have been identified as Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Backstrom, 20. The shooting has been labeled as an “act of terror” by former President Donald Trump, with the alleged shooter named as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the US in 2021.
Following Trump’s condemnation of the attack, US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a halt to processing immigration cases related to Afghan immigrants until further review. The West Virginia National Guard provided additional details about the injured Guards members, stating that Sarah Backstrom began her service on June 26, 2023, while Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe joined on February 5, 2019.
Both Guardsmen had been deployed in Washington, DC, since August when the mission commenced. Attorney General Pamela Bondi expressed intentions to seek the death penalty for the alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was also wounded and taken to a hospital.
Bondi emphasized the severity of the situation, stating that the legal actions would depend on the victims’ prognosis. Andrew Wolfe, one of the injured Guardsmen, remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery post the shooting. The suspect, Lakanwal, reportedly traveled from Bellingham, Washington, to carry out the attack near the White House.
Lakanwal, admitted to the US under Operation Allies Welcome, was granted asylum earlier this year and has ties to US forces in Afghanistan. The two Guardsmen, who were shot just after being sworn in, have elicited widespread concern and support, with various officials and individuals expressing solidarity and prayers for their recovery.
The incident has prompted responses from various authorities, with efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of the Guardsmen and review security protocols for immigrants. The situation remains under investigation, with updates emerging as the case unfolds.