President Donald Trump said on Thursday that a National Guard member died after an ambush near the White House. He confirmed that an Afghan national carried out the shooting, which sparked accusations of immigration vetting failures. The attack also triggered a broad review of asylum cases.
Trump said 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom died from her wounds. He added that her fellow Guardsman, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remained in critical condition. Investigators launched a terrorism inquiry following the shooting on Wednesday afternoon.
Authorities expanded the investigation across several states. The FBI searched multiple properties, including a home in Washington state linked to the suspect. Officials said the suspect previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan unit. He later entered the United States in 2021 under a resettlement program.
FBI Seizes Devices and Interviews Relatives
FBI Director Kash Patel said agents collected numerous electronic devices. They seized mobile phones, laptops, and iPads from the suspect’s residence. They also interviewed several relatives as part of the investigation.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the suspect drove across the country before the ambush. She said he targeted the Guard members while they patrolled near the White House. The attack occurred during routine security duties.
Trump Issues Strong Condemnation
Trump expressed deep outrage during a Thanksgiving call with US service members. He said the nation felt anguish after what he called a terrorist attack. He said a “savage monster” gunned down two members of the West Virginia National Guard. They were deployed with the DC Task Force when the shooting occurred.
Trump said the attack underscored the need for strict control over immigration processes. He said national security depends on knowing who enters and remains in the country.
Officials said the suspect used a .357 Magnum revolver. He allegedly shot one Guard member, then fired again before targeting the second. Guard members returned fire and wounded the assailant. Authorities arrested him shortly afterward. He remained in hospital on Thursday under heavy guard.
Suspect Believed to Have Acted Alone
Jeff Carroll, an executive assistant chief with Washington’s Metropolitan Police, said the suspect appeared to act alone. He lived in Washington state with his wife and five children. Investigators have found no evidence of additional attackers.
Authorities continued reviewing digital evidence and interviewing witnesses. Officials said the inquiry remains active and could expand further.
