Trump confirms death of Sarah Beckstrom wounded in Washington ambush

The investigation into a shooting attack on National Guard troops near the White House has expanded, as federal agencies carry out raids and collect digital evidence from multiple locations.

US President Donald Trump confirmed on Thursday that 20-year-old National Guard officer Sarah Beckstrom, who was critically injured in the ambush, reportedly died on November 27. The announcement was made during a Thanksgiving Day address to service members, where the president described her as a “bright, talented and dignified young officer” who began her military career in June 2023.

The attack occurred in Washington DC, only a few streets away from the White House, when Beckstrom and 24-year-old US Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolf were reportedly returning from duty. Officials said the shooting was sudden, carried out in a planned ambush style, leaving both officers no opportunity to protect themselves. Wolf remains injured, while the suspected attacker, identified as an Afghan national, was also reportedly seriously wounded.

Raids across US states

US investigators, led by the FBI, reportedly raided the homes of the suspected attacker and other Afghan nationals believed to have links to him. Searches were conducted in Washington state and San Diego, where authorities seized mobile phones, iPads, laptops and other electronic devices. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, technical analysis of the confiscated equipment is under way to trace motives and possible networks.

The arrested suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakhinwal. Investigators have reportedly questioned his relatives to establish the reason behind the attack. Officials said Lakhinwal was living in Washington with his wife and children.

Adding a new layer to the probe, US agencies also released an image of the suspect and confirmed that he had previously worked for the CIA in Afghanistan. CIA Director John Ratcliffe said Lakhinwal was allowed entry into the US on the basis of his past association with the agency, and his case was now being reviewed.

Immigration halt and re-screening

Following the incident, the US has reportedly suspended Afghan immigration applications for an indefinite period. Authorities have also ordered a re-check of all foreign nationals who entered the country during the Biden administration, signalling a broader security audit.

President Trump warned that threats to US forces would face a firm response and confirmed that recent defence steps include new orders for additional B-2 bombers to build up air capability, citing a 37-hour successful mission by existing aircraft.