National Guard troop shot by Afghan national dies; another critical
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump confirmed that United States Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom has died after a targeted shooting near the White House. The incident, which occurred on Wednesday, left both Beckstrom and another West Virginia National Guard member, Andrew Wolfe, in critical condition. "She's just passed away. She's no longer with us," Trump said while addressing military personnel on Thanksgiving.
Attack details
Shooting incident near White House
The shooting occurred just blocks from the White House, with both soldiers being shot at close range. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan who had served in CIA-backed combat units, was arrested after the attack. Lakanwal had entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome. He allegedly drove over 4023km from Bellingham to Washington DC before carrying out an "ambush-style" attack using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver.
Background check
Suspect's background and potential charges
Lakanwal had spent years in one of the CIA's most secretive Afghan combat units, known as Zero Units. These teams fought against the Taliban and were instrumental in securing Kabul airport during the US withdrawal in 2021. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said after the attack that Lakanwal might be charged with terrorism. Trump also called for a reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees brought under the Biden administration through Operation Allies Welcome.
Ongoing probe
US to reexamine green cards issued
In another crackdown on immigration, the US will reexamine all green cards issued to individuals from 19 countries. According to Joe Edlow, the director of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, the 19 countries under scrutiny include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The list also includes Burundi, Cuba, Laos and Sierra Leone. Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela are also on the list.