Suspect in shooting of National Guard members now facing a first-degree murder charge
Nov 28, 2025, 7:24 AM | Updated: 8:58 pm
The D.C. Armory, where National Guard units are based, is seen a day after two National Guard soldiers were shot near the White House in Washington, Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
Credit: ASSOCIATED PRESS
(AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, announced Friday that charges against a man who authorities say shot two National Guard members have been upgraded to first-degree murder.
The announcement comes after the death of one of the soldiers.
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were hospitalized in critical condition after Wednesday afternoon’s shooting and President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that Beckstrom had died.
Pirro’s office said the charges Lakanwal now faces include one count of first-degree murder, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.
Pirro said that Lakanwal drove across the country to launch an “ambush-style” attack with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. He initially faced charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Pirro said that “it’s too soon to say” what the suspect’s motives were.
