National Guard member dies after DC shooting, second in critical condition - PRESS AI WORLD
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National Guard member dies after DC shooting, second in critical condition

share-iconPublished: Friday, November 28 share-iconUpdated: Friday, November 28 comment-icon1 week ago
National Guard member dies after DC shooting, second in critical condition

Credited from: ABCNEWS

  • One National Guard member, Sarah Beckstrom, has died following a shooting in Washington D.C.
  • The second member, Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition.
  • The shooting is being investigated by the FBI as an act of terrorism.
  • The suspected shooter is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national.
  • More National Guard troops are being deployed to the capital in response to the incident.

One of the two National Guard members shot in Washington, D.C., on November 26 has died from her injuries, as confirmed by President Donald Trump. The victim, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, was shot near Farragut Square, while her colleague, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition following the attack, which occurred shortly after 2 PM EST. Both soldiers had only been sworn in just a day prior to the shooting, according to ABC News and BBC.

The shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was charged with multiple counts including assault with intent to kill. He is under investigation for potential terrorism charges, as officials believe he ambushed the National Guardsmen without provocation. According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the attack shocked the nation and has prompted discussions about security in the capital, which has seen an increased National Guard presence due to crime concerns, as highlighted by Al Jazeera and ABC News.

In the aftermath of the shooting, President Trump ordered an additional 500 National Guard members to be deployed to Washington, D.C., amid criticism regarding the federal presence in the city. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed this decision, stating that heightened security measures were necessary following this "act of evil." The incident has raised concerns not only for the injured parties but also for the Afghan community in the U.S., with advocacy groups urging against backlash towards Afghan evacuees, according to BBC and Al Jazeera.

As investigations continue, there remain fears about the reinstatement of hardline policies affecting Afghan nationals in the U.S. Officials stated that the charges against the suspect may escalate depending on the medical conditions of the victims. The federal government's response to this tragedy will likely shape the discourse on safety and policy regarding National Guard deployments nationally, according to ABC News and BBC.

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