Afghan Soldier Allegedly Opens Fire on National Guardsmen in Washington DC Leaving Both Victims in Critical Condition

The two National Guardsmen shot in a terrifying attack in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday have now been publicly identified.

Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Backstrom, 20, were named during a press conference on Thursday.

Officials confirmed that both underwent surgery and remain in critical condition.

Recent Recruits Caught in Ambush

According to D.C. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro, Wolfe and Backstrom had only recently been sworn into the National Guard—just days before the attack.

The pair were ambushed while on patrol, part of President Donald Trump’s ongoing initiative to enhance street safety in the capital.

Alleged Shooter in Custody

Authorities identified Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan soldier, as the alleged gunman now in custody.

Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, the program that allowed Afghans who assisted U.S. forces to relocate following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Officials revealed that Lakanwal drove across the country before opening fire on the National Guardsmen on Wednesday afternoon.

Community Mourns Young Soldier

At a moving tribute on Facebook, Musselman High School honored Wolfe as an alumnus.

“Our Applemen community is deeply saddened to learn that Andrew Wolfe was one of the National Guardsmen injured in the shooting in Washington, D.C., today,” the post read.

“Andrew is currently in critical condition and undergoing surgery.

Please keep Andrew, his family, and all those affected in your thoughts.

Once an Applemen, Always an Applemen.”

Links to U.S. Military Operations

CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed late Wednesday that Lakanwal had prior ties to the CIA, having worked alongside U.S. Special Forces in Afghanistan.

Ratcliffe said Lakanwal’s temporary visa was justified by his past collaboration with U.S. operations, though his service concluded shortly after the Afghanistan evacuation.

Ratcliffe criticized the Biden administration’s handling of the withdrawal, calling it “disastrous” and saying the alleged shooter, along with many others, should never have been allowed into the United States.

“Our citizens and service members deserve far better than to endure the ongoing fallout from the Biden administration’s catastrophic failures,” he said.

What Happens Next

Authorities continue to investigate the attack, with more details expected in the coming days.

Wolfe and Backstrom remain in critical condition, while Lakanwal faces legal proceedings related to the shooting.