On Wednesday, November 26, two National Guard soldiers were attacked by a gunman in Washington, D.C. U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from the attack. U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe was seriously wounded and remains in critical condition.

Senator Andrew Lang, a Lieutenant Colonel in the Minnesota Army National Guard, released the following statement:

“My deepest condolences go out to the families of Specialist Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Wolfe,” said Senator Lang. “This targeted attack against members of our military in our nation’s own capital is despicable. They swore an oath to defend our Constitution and were ambushed simply for wearing the uniform. Attacks on members of the military or law enforcement have no place in America. I’m praying for the families and soldiers affected by the attack and for a full recovery for Sgt. Wolfe.”

Beckstrom and Wolfe were serving with the West Virginia National Guard under President Trump’s crime-fighting initiative. The shooting occurred about three blocks north of the White House.

The suspect has been identified as Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal. He arrived in the United States in 2021 under a program implemented by the Biden administration following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.