Trump Calls Suspect in National Guard Shooting a “Sick Individual” Amid Terrorism Probe
Washington, D.C. — Former President Donald Trump has publicly condemned the man accused of shooting two U.S. National Guard members near the White House last week, calling him a “sick individual” in a televised interview. The attack, which the FBI is investigating as an act of terrorism, has reignited debates over immigration vetting, national security, and the legacy of the U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The shooting occurred on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, when Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, allegedly ambushed Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, as they patrolled near the White House. Both guardsmen were critically wounded and remain hospitalized after emergency surgery. Lakanwal, who was also injured during the confrontation, now faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Authorities have not yet disclosed a motive, but the case has drawn sharp criticism from military families and political leaders.
In an interview with Fox News on Monday, Trump described the suspect as “a sick individual who never should have been allowed into this country.” His remarks come as federal investigators conduct raids in Washington state and California, seizing electronic devices and interviewing associates of Lakanwal. The former president’s comments align with broader Republican criticisms of the Biden administration’s handling of Afghan evacuees following the 2021 U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
The shooting unfolded around 3:30 p.m. On November 26, just blocks from the White House, where Beckstrom and Wolfe were stationed as part of a National Guard deployment supporting local law enforcement. According to U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, Lakanwal opened fire “without provocation, ambush style,” using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. Pirro confirmed that Lakanwal had driven cross-country from Washington state before the attack and had entered the U.S. In 2021 amid the chaotic evacuation of Afghan allies following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.
From Instagram — related to White House, Beckstrom and Wolfe
Both guardsmen were rushed to nearby hospitals, where they underwent surgery. Gary Beckstrom, father of Sarah Beckstrom, told The New York Times that his daughter’s condition was dire. “I’m holding her hand right now,” he said in an emotional interview. Wolfe, a 24-year-old from West Virginia, remains in critical condition, though officials have not released further updates on his prognosis. If either guardsman succumbs to their injuries, Lakanwal could face upgraded charges, including first-degree murder.
The FBI has classified the shooting as an act of terrorism, though details about Lakanwal’s background and possible radicalization remain under investigation. FBI Director Kash Patel described the attack as a “heinous act of terrorism” during a press conference on Thursday, November 27. Patel confirmed that agents had searched Lakanwal’s residence in Washington state, as well as properties in San Diego linked to his associates, seizing cellphones, laptops, and other electronic devices for forensic analysis.
Political Fallout and Vetting Controversies
The attack has reignited political tensions over the U.S. Evacuation of Afghanistan in August 2021, during which more than 120,000 Afghans were airlifted to the U.S. Amid the Taliban’s rapid takeover. Critics, including Gold Star families who lost loved ones in the Abbey Gate bombing that killed 13 U.S. Service members, have accused the Biden administration of failing to properly vet evacuees. Darin Hoover, father of Staff Sergeant Darin “Taylor” Hoover—one of the 13 killed in the Abbey Gate attack—told Fox News Digital that the shooting was a direct result of “feckless” vetting processes.
Gold Star Abbey Gate
“This is on the feckless Biden administration,” Hoover said. “We had no idea who was getting into this country because the Biden administration, especially the State Department run by Antony Blinken, didn’t do the work that was needed to vet all these people. There were so many people put on the planes that got out initially, that we have no idea who they were.”
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Hoover’s criticism reflects broader concerns among military families and conservative lawmakers about the long-term security risks posed by the evacuation. The Trump administration, which had negotiated the withdrawal agreement with the Taliban, has repeatedly highlighted the vetting failures as a national security vulnerability. In his Fox News interview, Trump reiterated his stance that the U.S. Must “vet people thoroughly” before allowing them into the country, calling the current system “a disaster.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi, a Trump ally, announced that the Justice Department plans to pursue terrorism charges against Lakanwal, with a potential sentence of life in prison. Bondi’s office has not yet released details about Lakanwal’s background, including whether he had ties to extremist groups or had previously worked with U.S. Forces in Afghanistan—a claim made by some media outlets but not confirmed by officials.
Broader Implications for National Security
The shooting has prompted renewed scrutiny of the U.S. Refugee and asylum system, particularly for individuals from conflict zones. According to a 2023 report by the Department of Homeland Security, more than 80,000 Afghans were resettled in the U.S. Under the Operation Allies Welcome program, which was established to assist those who aided U.S. Forces during the 20-year war. Even as the majority of evacuees have integrated peacefully, the program has faced criticism for its expedited vetting process, which relied heavily on biometric data and limited background checks due to the urgency of the evacuation.
Beckstrom and Wolfe California
Law enforcement officials have acknowledged that the sheer volume of evacuees made thorough vetting difficult. A former FBI special agent, speaking to Fox News on condition of anonymity, described the situation as a “ticking time bomb,” warning that gaps in the screening process could lead to future security threats. Though, refugee advocacy groups have pushed back against broad characterizations of Afghan evacuees, arguing that the vast majority pose no threat and have contributed positively to their communities.
The attack has also sparked discussions about the role of the National Guard in urban security. Beckstrom and Wolfe were part of a deployment aimed at supporting local law enforcement in Washington, D.C., as part of an initiative announced by President Trump earlier this year. The program, which has faced legal challenges from civil rights groups, has been criticized for militarizing domestic policing. However, supporters argue that the Guard’s presence helps deter crime and provides additional resources to overstretched local agencies.
What Happens Next?
Lakanwal remains hospitalized under guard, with federal prosecutors expected to file additional charges in the coming days. The FBI’s investigation is ongoing, with agents analyzing electronic devices seized during the raids in Washington state and California. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for December 10, 2025, where prosecutors may present evidence linking Lakanwal to extremist networks or other criminal activity.
For the families of Beckstrom and Wolfe, the road to recovery remains uncertain. The National Guard has established a support fund for the wounded guardsmen, and a vigil is planned for December 1 near the White House to honor their service. Meanwhile, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called for a review of the vetting processes for Afghan evacuees, though partisan divisions over immigration policy may complicate legislative action.
As the investigation unfolds, the shooting serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding refugee resettlement and the enduring consequences of the U.S. Withdrawal from Afghanistan. For now, the nation waits for answers—and for the two guardsmen fighting for their lives.
Key Takeaways
Suspect Identified: Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been charged with assault with intent to kill and firearm possession after allegedly shooting two National Guard members near the White House.
Victims in Critical Condition: Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remain hospitalized after emergency surgery.
Terrorism Investigation: The FBI is treating the attack as an act of terrorism, though no motive has been confirmed.
Political Reactions: Former President Trump called Lakanwal a “sick individual” and criticized the vetting of Afghan evacuees, while Gold Star families have blamed the Biden administration for security failures.
Broader Debate: The shooting has reignited discussions about immigration policy, national security, and the role of the National Guard in domestic law enforcement.
For official updates on the investigation, follow the FBI’s press releases or the U.S. Department of Justice. If you have information related to the case, contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
What are your thoughts on the vetting process for Afghan evacuees? Should the U.S. Reassess its refugee policies in light of this attack? Share your comments below and join the conversation.
