Two National Guard members who were shot in Washington DC have been identified as Sarah Backstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24. The victims were named during a press conference held on Thursday. Both individuals are currently in critical condition, as confirmed by US Attorney Jeanine Pirro. She mentioned that the two soldiers from West Virginia had recently taken an oath under President Donald Trump’s directive to enhance security in the district, having been sworn in less than a day before the incident occurred.
Pirro highlighted the bravery of the victims, stating that they had willingly put themselves in harm’s way for strangers, reflecting the increasing risks faced by law enforcement personnel.
The suspect responsible for the attack, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was identified by law enforcement following the incident that took place on Wednesday afternoon. Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the US in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, was confirmed by the Department of Homeland Security.
Former President Trump condemned the assault, labeling it a terrorist act and a vicious assault. Subsequently, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the suspension of processing immigration cases for Afghan immigrants indefinitely for further review.
Lakanwal traveled from Bellingham, Washington, to Washington DC, where he opened fire on the National Guard using a .357 revolver, according to Pirro. The suspect was injured in the ensuing confrontation and is currently hospitalized. Charges against him will include three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a violent crime.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi reported that both victims had undergone surgery, and charges would be based on their recovery progress. She expressed hope for their recovery, mentioning the possibility of life imprisonment with terrorism charges in the worst-case scenario.
Sarah Backstrom was not specifically named by Bondi but was described as a young volunteer serving in the nation’s capital during the Thanksgiving holiday. Wolfe was identified by a spokesperson from Musselman High School, who shared the news on Facebook, informing the community about his critical condition and ongoing surgery.
The community expressed their support and solidarity for Wolfe, emphasizing their thoughts for him, his family, and all affected individuals during this challenging time.
