Trump honors National Guard members shot in Washington

Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe awarded Purple Heart for surviving gunshot wound

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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During his State of the Union address, former President Donald Trump honored Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, members of the West Virginia National Guard who were shot in an ambush while deployed to Washington, D.C. Wolfe was awarded the Purple Heart for surviving a gunshot wound to the head, while Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thanksgiving Day. Trump also spoke directly to Beckstrom's parents, who received a Purple Heart on behalf of their daughter.

Why it matters

The attack on the National Guard members highlights the ongoing security challenges and political tensions in Washington, D.C. The shooting also raised questions about the vetting process for immigrants entering the United States, as the alleged gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the country through the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome program.

The details

Lakanwal, a 29-year-old man, has been charged in connection with the shooting and has pleaded not guilty. Authorities say he drove across the country from his home in Washington state to execute the attack. Trump, who halted asylum decisions in response to the shooting, stated during his speech that the gunman 'shouldn't have been in our country'.

  • The attack on the National Guard members occurred on November 26.
  • Spc. Sarah Beckstrom died on Thanksgiving Day.
  • Trump presented the Purple Heart to Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe during his State of the Union address on February 24, 2026.

The players

Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe

A member of the West Virginia National Guard who survived a gunshot wound to the head during the attack in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom

A member of the West Virginia National Guard who was killed in the attack in Washington, D.C.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal

A 29-year-old man who has been charged in connection with the shooting and has pleaded not guilty.

Gen. James Seward

The head of the West Virginia National Guard.

Evalea and Gary Beckstrom

The parents of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, who received a Purple Heart on behalf of their daughter.

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What they’re saying

“With God's help, Andrew has battled back from the edge of death—and we're talking about the edge—on his way to a miraculous recovery.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (Associated Press)

“Your daughter was a true American patriot and she will be greatly missed.”

— Donald Trump, Former President (Associated Press)

What’s next

The judge in Rahmanullah Lakanwal's case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow him out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing security challenges and political tensions in Washington, D.C., as well as concerns about the vetting process for immigrants entering the United States. It also serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the National Guard in service of their country.