National Guardsman’s Father Mourns Daughter Killed in DC Shooting; Afghan National Identified as Suspect
The father of West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom announced her death in an emotional message Thursday, one day after a shooting in Washington, D.C., left her fatally wounded and another Guardsman…
The father of West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom announced her death in an emotional message Thursday, one day after a shooting in Washington, D.C., left her fatally wounded and another Guardsman seriously injured.
According to Fox News, Gary Beckstrom shared the news on Facebook, writing, “My baby girl has passed to glory. If I don’t talk to you don’t be offend this has been a horrible tragedy.”
His message marked the first public confirmation from the family following the attack.
Authorities identified Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal as the suspect in the shooting, which took place on Wednesday near the Farragut Square Metro Station. Lakanwal was brought into the United States under Operation Allies Welcome in 2021.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the suspect’s immigration status in a post on X, saying, “The suspect who shot our brave National Guardsmen is an Afghan national who was one of the many unvetted, mass paroled into the United States under Operation Allies Welcome on September 8, 2021, under the Biden Administration.”