Two members of the National Guard who were shot in Washington DC are now identified as Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, and Sarah Backstrom, aged 20. The incident, described as an “act of terror” by former President Donald Trump, involved Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the US in 2021.
Following Trump’s condemnation of the attack, US Citizenship and Immigration Services made an announcement halting the processing of immigration cases involving Afghan immigrants until further assessment.
The West Virginia National Guard disclosed more details about the injured Guard members. Sarah Backstrom, who began her service on June 26, 2023, was assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, enlisted on February 5, 2019, served in the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing.
Both victims had been deployed to Washington, DC since August as part of a mission initiated at that time.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi expressed her intent to pursue the death penalty for the alleged shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was also wounded and hospitalized. Bondi emphasized that the suspect’s fate would be determined by the condition of the two victims, Andrew Wolfe and Sarah Backstrom.
Andrew Wolfe, one of the National Guardsmen injured in the shooting, remains in critical condition after undergoing surgery. The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, had traveled from Bellingham, Washington, to carry out the attack, according to US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro.
Lakanwal, an Afghan national, came to the US under Operation Allies Welcome and was granted asylum in April. FBI Director Kash Patel revealed Lakanwal’s past connections to US forces in Afghanistan and his cooperation with the CIA.
The two National Guard members, Sarah Backstrom and Andrew Wolfe, were sworn in shortly before the attack, as confirmed by DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro. Both victims are in critical condition and have undergone surgical procedures.
Various officials and leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, House Speaker Mike Johnson, and California Governor Gavin Newsom, have expressed solidarity and prayers for the injured Guardsmen and their families.
The investigation into the shooting continues, with updates being provided by authorities and officials involved. The presence of the National Guard in Washington DC has sparked discussions and debates on security measures and the role of the military in civilian protection.