Washington, DC shooting: Donald Trump announces National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom dead after attack

One of the two US National Guard members shot in an “ambush-style” attack streets away from the White House has died, US President Donald Trump has confirmed.

“Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen that we’re talking about, highly respected, young, magnificent person, started service in June of 2023 outstanding in every way. She’s just passed away,” Mr Trump said during a Thanksgiving address.

“She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now,” he added.

“This just happened. She was savagely attacked, she’s dead now.”

Ms Beckstrom had been listed in critical condition after being shot in the head and the chest.

The other victim of Wednesday’s shooting, Andrew Wolfe, is still fighting for his life.

“As you know, the other young man is fighting for his life. He’s in very bad shape. He’s fighting for his life. And hopefully we’ll get better news with respect to him,” Mr Trump said.

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey reacted to the devastating update on X.

“This is not the result we hoped for, but it is the result we all feared,” he wrote.

“Sarah served with courage, extraordinary resolve, and an unwavering sense of duty to her state and to her nation. She answered the call to serve, stepped forward willingly, and carried out her mission with the strength and character that define the very best of the West Virginia National Guard.

“Today, we honor her bravery and her sacrifice as we mourn the loss of a young woman who gave everything she had in defense of others.

“We will forever hold her family, her friends, and her fellow Guardsmen in our prayers as they grieve what no family should ever have to bear.”

The suspect, identified as Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, drove across the country to Washington, DC, to shoot two West Virginia National Guard members, US officials say.

The suspect had worked in a special CIA-backed Afghan army unit before emigrating from Afghanistan, according to a cousin who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals.

Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia, declined to provide a motive for Wednesday afternoon’s brazen act of violence.

Ms Pirro said that Lakanwal, launched an “ambush-style” attack with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver.

The suspect faces charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

The charges will now be upgraded following Ms Beckstrom’s death.

“We are praying that they survive and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree. But make no mistake, if they do not, that will certainly be the charge,” Ms Pirro said earlier on Thursday before Ms Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries.

- With Reuters