Trump Honors National Guard Members Shot in Washington at State of the Union

Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe awarded Purple Heart after surviving gunshot wound during D.C. patrol.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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During his State of the Union address, President 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. last year. Wolfe, who survived a gunshot wound to the head, was awarded the Purple Heart medal. Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thanksgiving Day. Trump also spoke directly to Beckstrom's parents, calling their daughter a "true American patriot."

Why it matters

The attack on the National Guard members highlighted ongoing security concerns in Washington D.C. and the potential risks faced by troops deployed to the nation's capital. Trump used the incident to criticize the Biden administration's immigration policies, claiming the gunman "shouldn't have been in our country."

The details

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old who entered the U.S. through the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome program, has been charged in connection with the shooting and has pleaded not guilty. Authorities say Lakanwal drove across the country from his home in Washington state to carry out the attack.

  • The attack on the National Guard members occurred on November 26, 2025.
  • Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thanksgiving Day 2025.
  • Trump presented the Purple Heart to Wolfe during the State of the Union address on February 25, 2026.

The players

Andrew Wolfe

Air Force Staff Sgt. who survived a gunshot wound to the head while patrolling with the National Guard in Washington D.C.

Sarah Beckstrom

U.S. Army Spc. who was killed in the attack on the National Guard members in Washington D.C.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal

29-year-old man charged in connection with the shooting of the National Guard members, who entered the U.S. through the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome program.

James Seward

Head of the West Virginia National Guard.

Evalea and Gary Beckstrom

Parents of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom.

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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, President of the United States

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

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The judge presiding over Rahmanullah Lakanwal's case is expected to rule on whether he will be granted bail on March 15, 2026.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing security challenges facing the nation's capital and the risks National Guard members face when deployed to protect public spaces. It also reignites the debate over immigration policies and vetting procedures for those entering the United States.