CaliToday (28/11/2025): In a harrowing incident that has shocked the nation just before the holidays, an unarmed National Guard Major performed a stunning act of heroism, using only a simple pocket knife to neutralize a heavily armed terrorist just two blocks from the White House.
The attack, which left two National Guard members in critical condition, was perpetrated by an Afghan refugee admitted to the U.S. under the Biden administration’s controversial evacuation program.
The Ambush
The chaos erupted around 2:00 PM on Wednesday at the entrance of the Farragut West Metro station, a bustling location situated mere blocks from the Executive Mansion.
According to security sources, the suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal (29), ambushed two National Guard members standing post. Lakanwal, who allegedly drove nearly 3,000 miles from Washington State to the capital to carry out the attack, drew a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum and opened fire without warning.
Witnesses and officials report that Lakanwal was heard screaming "Allahu Akbar"—a phrase frequently associated with Islamist extremist attacks—during the assault.
Tragic Consequences for Young Soldiers
The ambush resulted in devastating injuries for the two guardsmen on duty:
Pvt. Sarah Beckstrom (20): In a heartbreaking twist, Pvt. Beckstrom had volunteered to take the shift so her fellow soldiers could travel home for Thanksgiving. She was struck in the head and chest. Her father has heartbreakingly stated that she is "not expected to survive."
Sgt. Andrew Wolfe (24): Sgt. Wolfe also sustained critical injuries and remains in a life-threatening condition.
After expending the four rounds in his revolver, Lakanwal reportedly seized Pvt. Beckstrom’s service weapon to continue firing at Sgt. Wolfe.
The "Pocket Knife" Hero
The carnage was halted by the quick thinking of a National Guard Major who happened to be nearby checking on troop deployments.
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| Rahmanullah Lakanwal (29), ambushed two National Guard members standing post |
Despite being unarmed, the Major acted on instinct. Observing the gunman from behind the cover of a vehicle, the officer waited for a split-second opening: the moment Lakanwal paused to reload.
"He realized he had no firearm, only a small folding knife in his pocket. That was all he needed." — Security Source (via CBS News)
The Major lunged from his cover, tackling the suspect and stabbing him multiple times in the head to disorient and subdue him. Moments later, a fourth National Guard member arrived on the scene with a drawn weapon, shooting Lakanwal in the buttocks and leg, effectively ending the siege.
Questions Mount Over "Operation Allies Welcome"
Lakanwal survived the encounter and is currently in custody, facing multiple charges of terrorism and attempted murder. However, his background has ignited a firestorm of political controversy.
Officials confirmed that Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome, the massive evacuation effort organized by the Biden administration following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Disturbingly, reports indicate he had previously served in a U.S.-funded paramilitary group in Afghanistan.
The revelation has renewed public outrage regarding the vetting process of the 2021 evacuation. Critics are pointing to previous warnings by President-elect Donald Trump, who had cautioned that the rushed evacuation could inadvertently allow extremists to slip through the vetting net and enter the American homeland.
Summary of Key Facts
| Detail | Description |
| Suspect | Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29 (Afghan Refugee, entered US in 2021). |
| Location | Farragut West Metro (2 blocks from White House). |
| Weapon | Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum; later attempted to use stolen service weapon. |
| Victims | Pvt. Sarah Beckstrom (20) & Sgt. Andrew Wolfe (24). Both critical. |
| Hero | Unnamed National Guard Major (Unarmed). Used a pocket knife. |
| Motive | Suspected Terrorism (Shouted "Allahu Akbar"). |