On Thursday morning, Washington, D.C., officials convened a press conference to deliver crucial updates on the tragic shooting involving two West Virginia National Guard members that took place Wednesday afternoon in the capital.

U.S. Attorney for D.C., Jeannine Pirro, commenced the briefing by naming the victims as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe. Both guardsmen had been newly sworn in just under a day before the attack occurred.

Pirro informed the public that both Beckstrom and Wolfe underwent surgery and remain in critical condition, with their families by their side during this difficult time.

The suspect in the shooting has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the United States in September 2021 following the turbulent U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The investigation reveals that he acted alone, wielding a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver.

Pirro explained that Lakanwal first shot one of the guards and then proceeded to fire again at the same guard before targeting the second guard. While the exact number of shots fired at each victim was not disclosed, Pirro noted that the revolver used is a six-shot weapon.

According to Pirro, both guardsmen have undergone surgery and are in critical condition. Their families are with them. 

The alleged shooter, who has since been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who came to the U.S. in September 2021 in the aftermath of the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan, acted as a lone gunman. He used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. 

Per Pirro, the shooter struck one of the guards, then leaned over and shot that guard again before shooting the other guard. She did not specify the number of times each guard was shot, but did note that the .357 is a six-shooter. 

Pirro stated that the applicable charges at present are three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during an act of violence. Should either of the guards pass, the charge will be Murder One. 

Pirro wrapped her remarks by addressing the shooter directly: You picked the wrong target, the wrong city, the wrong country, and you will be sorry. 

FBI Director Kash Patel also spoke. He confirmed that the shooting is being investigated as an act of terrorism. The FBI is executing multiple search warrants across the country, including at the suspect’s last known home in Bellingham, Washington. 

Patel also indicated that he has spoken with CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who confirmed that Lakanwal had a relationship with partner forces. They are investigating that aspect of his background to include any known associates.