Two National Guard members who were shot in Washington DC have been officially identified. The victims, Sarah Backstrom, aged 20, and Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, remain in critical condition following the incident. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that the two soldiers from West Virginia had recently been sworn in under President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at enhancing security in the district.
The suspect behind the attack has been named as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the US in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome. The shooting took place around 2:15 pm ET on Wednesday. Following the incident, Trump denounced it as an “act of terror” and a “heinous assault.” In response, US Citizenship and Immigration Services halted the processing of immigration cases for Afghan immigrants until further notice.
Lakanwal traveled from Bellingham, Washington, to Washington DC and opened fire on the National Guard using a .357 revolver, according to Pirro. He was subsequently shot and is currently hospitalized. Pirro mentioned that Lakanwal will face charges including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi provided an update stating that both victims had undergone surgery. She indicated that charges would be determined based on their prognosis, with the possibility of terrorism charges. Bondi did not disclose Backstrom’s name but referred to her as a “young woman” who volunteered during the Thanksgiving holiday. Similarly, a spokesperson for Musselman High School confirmed Wolfe as one of the injured National Guardsmen and asked for support for his recovery.
The community is deeply saddened by the incident, and prayers are being extended for the victims, their families, and all those affected.