National Guard member shot near White House dies

National Guard member shot near White House dies

November 28, 2025/
Spread the love

By Kim Jarrett
The Center Square

One of the National Guard members shot near the White House on Wednesday died from her injuries, President Donald Trump said.

U.S. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old from West Virginia, died from her injuries. Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, also of West Virginia, remains in critical condition.

Beckstrom started serving in the National Guard in June 2023 and was “outstanding in every single way, in every department,” Trump said.

The suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, is an Afghan national who entered the country in 2021 under former President Joe Biden’s Operation Allies Welcome, according to the FBI.

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed Lakanwal had a “relationship in Afghanistan with partner forces.” Patel said in a Thanksgiving Day news conference that the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. Lakanwal was shot during the incident and is at an area hospital, officials said. The charges against him are expected to be upgraded now that one of the guard members has died.

Community Events

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Texas officials seek to establish Turning Point chapters

Texas officials seek to establish Turning Point chapters

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square Texas officials are seeking a partnership with the conservative organization Turning Point USA to place chapters on every college and high school campus in the...
summit-hill-junior-high-school-frankfort-161.2

In Split 4-2 Vote, Summit Hill 161 Board Approves MacBook Pilot

Frankfort School District 161 Meeting | November 19, 2025 Article Summary: The Summit Hill School District 161 Board of Education on Wednesday narrowly approved a $27,873 pilot program to purchase...
National Guard member shot near White House dies

National Guard member shot near White House dies

By Kim JarrettThe Center Square One of the National Guard members shot near the White House on Wednesday died from her injuries, President Donald Trump said. U.S. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom,...
will county board graphic

New Bar Approved in Frankfort Despite Board Opposition

Will County Board Meeting | November 2025 Article Summary: The Will County Board narrowly approved a special use permit for a new bar in Frankfort Township, paving the way for...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary and Briefs: Frankfort Square Park District for October 16, 2025

Frankfort Square Park District Meeting | October 16, 2025 The Frankfort Square Park District Board of Commissioners held its monthly meeting on Thursday, October 16, 2025, taking several key financial...
Chicago tenant groups call for eviction moratorium amid ICE raids

Chicago tenant groups call for eviction moratorium amid ICE raids

By Glenn Minnis | The Center Square contributorThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Chicago Ald. Byron Sigcho Lopez is pushing for an eviction moratorium while Immigration and Customs Enforcement...
Illinois tax proposals dampen decline in small business uncertainty index

Illinois tax proposals dampen decline in small business uncertainty index

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Although the National Federation of Independent Business Uncertainty Index reached its lowest point of the year in...
joliet junior college logo

JJC Board Approves Grundy County Land Purchase Amid Heated Debate

Joliet Junior College Meeting | November 12, 2025 Article Summary:The Joliet Junior College Board of Trustees voted 6-2 to approve a real estate contract for a new campus in Grundy...
‘Trouble in Toyland’ report sounds alarm on AI toys

‘Trouble in Toyland’ report sounds alarm on AI toys

By Glenn MinnisThe Center Square Parents should take precaution this holiday season when it comes to artificial intelligence toys after researchers for the new Trouble in Toyland report found safety...
Screenshot 2025-11-21 at 10.20.03 AM

Support Staff Urge Lincoln-Way 210 Board for ‘Fair Contract’ During Public Comment

Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 Meeting | November 20, 2025 Article Summary: Three members of Lincoln-Way District 210's support staff addressed the Board of Education, voicing frustrations over working without...
When was the first Thanksgiving? It's actually up for debate

When was the first Thanksgiving? It’s actually up for debate

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square As Americans celebrate Thanksgiving this year, many believe the first thanksgiving was held in Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1621. However, the first Thanksgiving celebration was held...
Frankfort School District 157-C.3

Frankfort 157-C Faces Steep Insurance Hikes, Projects $5.5 Million Cost for 2026

Frankfort School District 157-C Meeting | October 2025 Article Summary: Frankfort School District 157-C is bracing for significant increases in employee insurance costs for 2026, with an anticipated 18.6% rise...
frankfort-park-district

Frankfort Park District Approves Settlement with Five Oaks HOA, Pending Homeowner Vote

Frankfort Park District Meeting | October 28, 2025 Article Summary:The Frankfort Park District has approved a settlement agreement with the Five Oaks Homeowners Association (HOA), but the deal is contingent...
Spirit of Thanksgiving in Galveston: Resilience, rebirth, renewal out of rubble

Spirit of Thanksgiving in Galveston: Resilience, rebirth, renewal out of rubble

By Bethany BlankleyThe Center Square Thanksgiving, and the holiday season in general, can be a sorrowful and lonely time for many, but artists in Galveston and a faith community have...
Feds criticized for excluding health care from student loan caps

Feds criticized for excluding health care from student loan caps

By Esther WickhamThe Center Square The U.S. Department of Education’s move to establish new borrowing caps for professional and graduate students, excluding several health care programs, has drawn criticism from...