Federal prosecutors announced a major development Friday in the Thanksgiving Eve shooting that left two National Guard members wounded in downtown Washington, D.C. The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is now facing an upgraded charge of first-degree murder following the death of 20-year-old Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who succumbed to her injuries after days in critical condition. The tragic update has intensified public outrage and renewed pressure on officials to explain how such a violent attack could unfold in the heart of the capital.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed the upgraded charge during a Friday morning briefing, noting that the decision followed a careful review of evidence collected throughout the week. “The facts support a first-degree murder prosecution,” Pirro said. “This was a planned and deliberate ambush. A young woman devoted to serving her country lost her life in an act of senseless brutality.”

Before Beckstrom’s death, Lakanwal had already been charged with several serious offenses, including assault with intent to kill while armed and multiple counts of possessing a firearm during a violent crime. The new murder charge, federal officials said, reflects the severity of the attack and positions the case among the most disturbing violent incidents Washington has seen this year.

A Holiday Shift Turns Deadly

The shooting occurred on the afternoon before Thanksgiving, a time when many service members were preparing for routine holiday assignments around the city. Specialist Beckstrom and 24-year-old Guardsman Andrew Wolfe were carrying out standard duties near Farragut West when an assailant approached and opened fire without warning.

Witnesses recalled hearing three to five gunshots before chaos erupted on the busy street. Commuters ducked behind cars and storefronts as emergency crews rushed in to assist the victims. Beckstrom, hit several times, was transported to a nearby hospital in grave condition. Wolfe, though also critically injured, managed to survive the initial attack and remains hospitalized.

The suddenness of the ambush stunned the city. The shooting occurred just blocks from federal buildings and along a corridor known for heavy pedestrian traffic and consistent law-enforcement presence. Authorities have not yet released details regarding Lakanwal’s potential motive, though investigators continue to gather surveillance footage, conduct interviews, and analyze any digital evidence connected to the suspect.

A Family’s Heartbreak

On Thursday morning, Beckstrom’s family disclosed the devastating news that she had passed away. Her father, Gary Beckstrom, shared a brief but emotional message announcing her death, a post that quickly drew an outpouring of sympathy from across the country.

“My baby girl has passed to glory,” he wrote. “If I don’t talk to you, don’t be offended—this has been a horrible tragedy.”

Friends and fellow soldiers described Sarah as a bright and dedicated service member who always stepped up when her unit needed her. She had volunteered for the Thanksgiving duty shift, a point that Pirro highlighted in her remarks. “She chose service over a holiday at home,” Pirro said. “It was a choice defined by commitment—and it ultimately cost her life.”

Her death has led to a wave of tributes from the National Guard community and from civilians across the nation, many of whom view the attack as a stark reminder of the risks service members face even during routine stateside assignments.

A Growing List of Charges

In addition to the first-degree murder charge, federal court records now list several other serious counts against Lakanwal. These include:

• First-degree murder in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom

• Three counts of using or carrying a firearm during a violent crime

• Two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed

Prosecutors have indicated that the charges may continue to expand as the investigation evolves. “We anticipate further developments,” Pirro noted, signaling that additional evidence may support even more counts.

If convicted of first-degree murder, Lakanwal could face life imprisonment. The firearm-related charges and potential federal enhancements could further increase the penalties he faces.

Honoring Beckstrom’s Legacy

As investigators work through the details of the case, the military community has turned its attention to honoring Beckstrom’s memory. At just 20 years old, she had already built a reputation for reliability and dedication. Her commanders released a statement describing her as “an exemplary soldier whose professionalism and spirit will not be forgotten.”

Her death, they wrote, “leaves a wound that will be felt deeply across the unit and beyond.”

Wolfe’s Battle for Recovery

Meanwhile, attention remains focused on the condition of Andrew Wolfe, the second Guardsman injured in the ambush. He continues to fight for his life in critical care. Supporters across the country have included him in prayers, vigils, and messages of hope shared by service members and civilians alike.

Federal Response and Continuing Investigation

Federal authorities are continuing to reconstruct the timeline of events leading up to the shooting. Investigators from multiple agencies—including the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security—are reviewing video recordings, mapping the suspect’s movements, and looking for any indications of planning or motive.

Pirro stressed that the government will pursue the case with full force. “This was a calculated attack on American service members,” she said. “Our responsibility is to deliver justice.”

As the legal process advances, communities across the nation remain united in grief, honoring Beckstrom’s sacrifice and hoping for Wolfe’s recovery while awaiting answers about the tragedy that unfolded just before the holiday.