The Briefing
- WV National Guard soldiers shot near the White House on Nov. 26; Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died; Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized. CBS News+1
- Ambush-style attack; suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal in custody; prosecutors moving to first-degree murdercharges. CBS News+1
- Shooting occurred around 17th & I Streets NW near Farragut Square, two blocks from the White House. Wikipedia
- Motive under investigation; federal and local authorities leading joint probe. CBS News
- Vigils/moments of silence held in West Virginia over the weekend.
WASHINGTON — One of two West Virginia National Guard members shot in an ambush-style attack near the White House has died, officials said, as prosecutors prepare first-degree murder charges against the accused gunman. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died Thursday, one day after the attack; Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized following surgery, authorities and family representatives said. CBS News+1
The soldiers were on duty near 17th and I Streets NW, just off Farragut Square and roughly two blocks from the White House, when a gunman opened fire shortly after 2 p.m. on Nov. 26, according to investigators and public statements. Officials have described the incident as an ambush, with multiple shots fired before the suspect was subdued and taken into custody. CBS News+1
Authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Prosecutors said they are pursuing first-degree murderand related charges; investigators continue to examine potential motive and whether additional counts are warranted. The Wall Street Journal
Public tributes for the soldiers spread across West Virginia over the holiday weekend, including moments of silence at events and messages from state leaders honoring Beckstrom’s service. Yahoo+1
Beckstrom, of Summersville, served with the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, and entered service in June 2023, according to state officials. Wolfe, of Martinsburg, remained under care at MedStar Washington Hospital Center as of late week, local outlets reported. WV MetroNews+1
The shooting is being investigated by federal and local authorities, including D.C. and U.S. prosecutors; officials said additional information, including investigative records, would be released as the case proceeds. CBS News
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Key sources (latest)
- CBS News live updates (death of Beckstrom; ambush description; timeline). CBS News
- Wall Street Journal (charging posture; suspect ID). The Wall Street Journal
- WV MetroNews (service details for Beckstrom, unit assignment). WV MetroNews
- WJLA/7News (hospital status context for Wolfe). WJLA
- Wikipedia summary (location specifics near Farragut Square; cross-check only—verify against primary sources before print). Wikipedia
Latest coverage on the D.C. National Guard shooting