US President Donald Trump announced that one of the two National Guard soldiers shot near the White House has died. He said the soldier, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, passed away after she suffered critical injuries.

During a Thanksgiving Day call with US troops, Trump said the second soldier, Andrew Wolfe, was “fighting for his life” and remained in “very bad shape”.

Trump added, “I heard that 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, she’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now.”

How the Attack Unfolded

The gunman, armed with a .357 Magnum revolver, opened fire without warning. He shot one Guard member, who fell, and then fired again. Then he turned the gun on the second member and shot multiple times.

Guard members returned fire and wounded the attacker. Authorities arrested him soon after. He was moved to a hospital, where he remained under heavy security on Thursday. Trump said the suspect was in serious condition.

Who Were the Soldiers?

US attorney Jeanine Pirro said at a Thursday news conference that both victims served in the West Virginia National Guard.

A statement from the Guard confirmed that Beckstrom and Wolfe were working on the DC Safe and Beautiful Mission when the attack happened at around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday.

Officials added that the shooting took place less than a day after both soldiers were officially deputised. This step allowed them to continue carrying out their patrol duties.

Suspect’s Link to US Forces in Afghanistan

FBI Director Kash Patel revealed new details about the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29. He said Lakanwal had past connections to US partner forces in Afghanistan.

Patel said, Lakanwal “had a relationship in Afghanistan with partner forces,” according to CNN.

The suspect entered the United States in September 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome programme. This initiative offered visas to Afghans who helped the US government during the war.

Widening FBI Investigation

The FBI expanded its investigation by searching several properties. This included a house in Washington state that had ties to the suspect.

Officials said Lakanwal had previously served in a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan before resettling in the US.

During the search, agents collected many electronic devices such as phones, laptops, and iPads. They also interviewed his family members, Patel said during a news briefing.