The two National Guard members who were shot in Washington DC on Wednesday have now been identified.
During a press conference on Thursday, the victims were revealed to be Sarah Backstrom, aged 20, and Andrew Wolfe, aged 24. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro disclosed that both individuals are currently in critical condition. She mentioned that the two soldiers, hailing from West Virginia, had recently been sworn in under President Donald Trump’s executive order to enhance security in the district, shortly before the unfortunate incident occurred.
Pirro commended the bravery of the victims, emphasizing that they willingly put their lives on the line to protect strangers, illustrating the increasing risks faced by law enforcement members.
Authorities have identified the alleged perpetrator as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal following the assault that took place around 2:15 pm ET on Wednesday. According to the Department of Homeland Security, Lakanwal is an Afghan national who arrived in the US in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, initiated during the Biden administration to aid vulnerable Afghans post the US military exit from Afghanistan.
Former President Trump denounced the attack, labeling it as a “heinous assault” and an “act of terror” on the same day. Subsequently, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a halt in processing immigration cases for Afghan immigrants indefinitely pending further assessment.
Lakanwal, who traveled from Bellingham, Washington, to Washington DC, used a .357 revolver to fire at the National Guard before being shot by authorities. He is currently receiving medical treatment and will face charges including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a violent crime.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi informed Fox News that both victims had undergone surgery, and charges against Lakanwal would be determined based on their recovery progress. While Backstrom was not specifically named by Bondi, she was described as a young volunteer serving in Washington, DC over the Thanksgiving period.
In a statement on Facebook, a spokesperson for Musselman High School confirmed Wolfe as one of the injured National Guardsmen. The school community expressed deep sorrow over the incident and requested thoughts and prayers for Wolfe, his family, and all those impacted.
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