President Donald Trump delivered a somber update on Friday regarding the tragic shooting that targeted two members of the National Guard in Washington, D.C., earlier in the week. The attack, which occurred on Thanksgiving Eve near the White House, left two young service members wounded — and has now resulted in the death of one of them. As the country reflects on the circumstances surrounding the incident, the president’s response, the investigation, and the broader discussion around immigration policies have all come under national scrutiny.

The shooting involved 20-year-old National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, both of whom were on duty when they were approached and shot by a 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Beckstrom later succumbed to her injuries despite extensive medical intervention, while Wolfe remains in critical condition.

Authorities arrested Lakanwal shortly after the shooting, and he now faces multiple charges that prosecutors say could be upgraded to include more severe offenses following Beckstrom’s passing. According to early reports, Lakanwal overstayed his visa and had originally entered the United States under Operation Allies Welcome, a humanitarian program created in the aftermath of the 2021 withdrawal from Afghanistan.

The event has stirred intense public reaction and renewed debate about federal immigration processes, refugee vetting, and national security protocols. On Friday, President Trump addressed the media to provide the latest updates on the investigation and the administration’s response. During the briefing, tensions rose when a reporter questioned the president’s attribution of blame regarding the suspect’s entry into the country.

The Attack Near the White House

The shooting occurred on a busy Wednesday evening as the two Guardsmen carried out a routine assignment in the vicinity of the White House grounds. Initial reports indicate that the attack was sudden and unprovoked. Witnesses described hearing multiple gunshots before security personnel rushed toward the scene.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were transported to nearby hospitals where they received emergency care. Wolfe underwent several surgeries and remains in critical condition, while Beckstrom’s injuries proved fatal.

The attack sent shockwaves throughout Washington, particularly because it targeted uniformed service members in a highly secured area. Military officials expressed deep sorrow at Beckstrom’s passing and voiced continued concern for Wolfe’s recovery. “This loss is devastating for the National Guard community,” one senior official said. “These young men and women serve with dedication, and an attack on them is an attack on all of us.”

Who Is Rahmanullah Lakanwal?

According to federal authorities and court filings, Rahmanullah Lakanwal came to the United States in 2021 as part of a large influx of Afghan nationals evacuated following the fall of Kabul. Under Operation Allies Welcome, individuals who assisted U.S. forces—whether in logistical, security, or administrative roles—were processed for humanitarian parole.

Reports indicate that Lakanwal had previously worked with U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan. However, officials noted that verification of past cooperation during wartime does not automatically guarantee long-term immigration status, nor does it equate to full-spectrum vetting for residency.

The case has renewed questions about the effectiveness, timelines, and accuracy of vetting systems used during large-scale evacuations. At the time, thousands of Afghans were brought into the United States within weeks, creating immense pressure on agencies responsible for background checks, identity verification, and security screenings.

Court documents also reveal that Lakanwal overstayed his authorized period of stay, making his immigration status unlawful at the time of the attack. Officials have not yet disclosed additional details regarding potential warnings, prior encounters with law enforcement, or any red flags in his background.

Trump’s Frustration Boils Over During Press Briefing

During a Friday press briefing, President Trump announced Beckstrom’s death and reiterated the administration’s commitment to supporting the families affected and strengthening national security measures moving forward. He called the loss “unacceptable” and expressed condolences to Beckstrom’s family.

The briefing took a tense turn when a reporter asked why the president was blaming the previous administration for Lakanwal’s entry into the country.

Trump responded sharply:

“Because they let him! Are you stupid? Are you a stupid person? Because they came in on a plane, along with thousands of other people that shouldn’t be here.”

The exchange quickly circulated online, drawing mixed reactions. Some viewed Trump’s comments as an emotional reaction following the tragic news, while others saw the interaction as reflective of ongoing partisan tensions surrounding immigration policy.

The administration later declined to elaborate on the exchange, but Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that the president’s remarks were fueled by grief, urgency, and concern for national security.

Immigration Policy and Operation Allies Welcome

Operation Allies Welcome was established in August 2021 by the Biden administration to bring thousands of Afghan allies and their families to the United States after the rapid collapse of Afghanistan’s government. The program relied heavily on humanitarian parole, a short-term status typically granted in emergency situations.

Officials at the time acknowledged that the urgency of the evacuation limited the full depth of standard immigration vetting procedures. While individuals underwent several layers of screening, the rapid pace meant some checks were expedited or adapted to the circumstances.

Critics have raised concerns over the years that the scale and speed of the program increased the likelihood of administrative errors or incomplete screenings. Supporters, however, argue that the program saved the lives of individuals who would have been in danger due to their association with U.S. forces.

Lakanwal reportedly entered under this system. His arrival and subsequent visa overstay now form the centerpiece of a broader discussion about long-term vetting procedures, status adjustments, and monitoring of individuals admitted under emergency conditions.

A Nation Reacts to Tragedy

The death of Sarah Beckstrom has touched many across the United States, particularly because of her age and her role in serving the nation. Vigils have begun to form in various military communities, and messages of sympathy have poured in from elected officials, veterans, and National Guard families.

Her colleagues described her as a dedicated, energetic young woman who “believed deeply in service and helping others.” Wolfe, who continues to fight for his life, has also received a wave of public support. Officials say updates on his condition will be released as they become available.

The attack has rekindled conversations about the safety of service members deployed domestically, the monitoring of individuals whose visa status has lapsed, and the broader balance between humanitarian efforts and national security.

Looking Ahead

As investigators continue to piece together the suspect’s motives, background, and movements, federal agencies are reviewing procedures for individuals who entered under humanitarian parole and subsequently fell out of legal status. Congressional committees are expected to hold hearings examining the timeline and vetting processes associated with Operation Allies Welcome.

President Trump has said his administration is preparing additional policy announcements intended to strengthen immigration enforcement, especially in cases involving visa overstays and individuals whose national-security profiles require closer review.

For now, the focus remains on honoring Beckstrom’s memory and supporting Wolfe and their families during a time of profound grief.