The individuals who were shot in Washington DC on Wednesday while serving in the National Guard have been identified.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Sarah Backstrom, aged 20, and Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, were officially named as the victims. According to US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, both are currently in critical condition. She mentioned that the two soldiers, hailing from West Virginia, had recently taken their oath to support President Donald Trump’s security measures in the district, just a day before the unfortunate incident.
Pirro expressed admiration for the victims, stating, “They responded to the call, volunteered, and risked their lives for strangers – a reality increasingly faced by law enforcement personnel.”
The suspect in the shooting was identified by law enforcement officials as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old individual. The attack took place around 2:15 pm ET on Wednesday. Reports from the Department of Homeland Security revealed that Lakanwal is an Afghan national who entered the US in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated during the Biden administration to safeguard vulnerable Afghans post the US military’s exit from Afghanistan.
Following the incident, President Trump condemned the attack, labeling it as an “act of terror” and a “brutal assault.” Subsequently, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a halt in processing immigration cases for Afghan immigrants until further notice.
Pirro disclosed that Lakanwal drove from Bellingham, Washington, to Washington DC to carry out the shooting on the National Guard members using a .357 revolver. He sustained injuries during the altercation and is currently hospitalized. Pirro mentioned that Lakanwal will face charges including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a violent offense.
In a statement on Fox News, US Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed that both victims had undergone surgery. She indicated that legal actions against Lakanwal would be based on the victims’ medical prognosis. Bondi highlighted the need for justice, hinting at possible terrorism-related charges.
Bondi refrained from revealing Sarah Backstrom’s name, referring to her solely as a “young woman” who had volunteered to work in Washington DC over the Thanksgiving holidays.
A spokesperson from Musselman High School confirmed Wolfe as one of the victims, announcing on Facebook that he is currently in critical condition and undergoing medical procedures. The school community expressed deep sadness over the incident and urged support for Wolfe, his family, and all affected parties.
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