Shocking video has emerged capturing the moment National Guard members exchanged gunfire with a suspect in a brazen attack just blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C.
A Targeted Attack on Thanksgiving Eve
The violent incident unfolded on the afternoon of Wednesday, 26th November 2025. According to the Metropolitan Police Department, the suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, rounded a corner, raised a revolver, and opened fire on the service members.
Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot in the assault. U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, tragically died from her injuries. President Donald Trump confirmed her death on Thursday, paying tribute to the "highly respected, young, magnificent person."
The second soldier, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in a critical condition and is described as "fighting for his life" in "very bad shape."
Dramatic Footage of the Gunfight
The Wall Street Journal obtained video of the event, which appears to have been filmed by a witness from a passing car. The footage corroborates police accounts, showing the suspect looking around a corner with a revolver in his hand as a National Guard member runs down the street.
Seconds later, the service member is seen returning fire towards the attacker. The video also shows the fallen guardsmen lying on the street in the aftermath of the initial volley.
Charges and Aftermath
Lakanwal was taken to a local hospital following the shooting and is now in custody. D.C. Attorney General Jeanine Pirro described the event as a "brazen, targeted attack" and announced on Friday that Lakanwal will face a first-degree murder charge.
He was previously charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The incident has sent shockwaves through the American capital, highlighting the dangers faced by military personnel even on home soil.
