Shocking Footage Released: DC National Guard Incident Leaves Soldier Critically Injured

Newly surfaced dramatic video footage reveals a shocking daylight attack that resulted in the death of one National Guard member and left another critically injured in Washington, D.C.

Captured by a bystander in a passing car and shared by The Wall Street Journal, the video shows a man dressed in dark attire, seemingly armed with a revolver, as the Guardsmen scramble for safety.

The footage depicts one Guardsman dashing around a corner while returning fire. Authorities have identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, as a suspect in the incident.

Filmed roughly three blocks from the White House, the video shows Lakanwal raising his arm before firing at two members of the West Virginia National Guard, according to reports from the outlet.

Images obtained by The Wall Street Journal illustrate the chaotic scene near the Farragut West Metro station, highlighting the Guardsmen’s efforts to seek cover and respond during Wednesday’s ambush.

The video then briefly captures the fallen troops lying on the sidewalk on 17th Street NW near Farragut West Metro Station at around 2:15 p.m.

The shooter fired off 10 to 15 rounds with a .357 revolver, according to federal charging documents cited by Reuters.

Police said one of the soldiers returned fire, hitting the suspect and ending the ambush.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom died from her injuries Thursday while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition.  

Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden administration’s Afghan evacuation and resettlement program. Prosecutors say he traveled across the country shortly before the attack and had no prior criminal record.

He now faces charges, including first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Attorney General Pam Bondi has said the Department of Justice intends to seek the death penalty.

National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot in Washington, D.C., Wednesday. Beckstrom died Thursday at a hospital. (United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia; Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Beckstrom and Wolfe are members of the West Virginia National Guard, which was deployed to the nation’s capital to tackle crime in the city in response to an executive order from President Donald Trump earlier this year.

Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., told “FOX & Friends Weekend” Saturday that Wolfe is “hanging on,” adding that his family is calling for prayer. 

“His father is a deputy sheriff in the county next to mine, and Andy wanted to follow in [those] footsteps and serve his nation as a National Guardsman,” Moore told “FOX & Friends Weekend.”

“Andy is hanging on. And he is a fighter, and his family has told me that time and time again. He is a fighter,” Moore added. “But, above all, what they want here is for everybody to continue to pray. I believe in the power of prayer, and I can promise you his parents believe in the power of prayer. … Please keep praying.”

Streets are blocked after reports that two National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House in Washington Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Anthony Peltier)

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey also told “Fox & Friends Weekend” Saturday that “Andrew is fighting for his life right now, and his family and all of his friends, they’re trying to harvest as many prayers as possible from all across the country, all across the globe, to help him recover.”

Morrisey said Wolfe’s condition as of Saturday “remains very serious.”

“West Virginia cares very deeply about its Guard. And there’s just a proud tradition of West Virginians who step up from military service. So when something like this happens, it’s really a gut punch to the communities,” Morrisey added. 

“Most importantly, we need justice to be served. That’s critical. I think West Virginians are counting on that. Americans are counting on that.”