All Too Familiar

Following the recent deployment of U.S. National Guard soldiers to U.S. city streets, there has been a significant uproar on multiple sides of the political spectrum. Some say it’s needed because of violence taking place from protests, while others say that we cannot deploy trained soldiers into civilian-heavy environments because it’s a danger, waste, and abuse of American resources and power. 

On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, near the White House, a life was taken, and another was critically injured. Two National Guard soldiers were both shot by a 29-year-old Afghan refugee, Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was tragically killed, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, was wounded and has since been released from the hospital. Both were members of the West Virginia National Guard who volunteered to be on duty so others could enjoy time with their families. According to DC US Attorney Jeanine Pierro, both Beckstrom and Wolfe, “were ‘sworn in’ just 24 hours before they were shot.” The killer, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was shot four times in the pursuit to stop him. After being shot himself and arrested, Lakanwal pleaded not guilty. 

When this occurred, America was quick to create rumors and false narratives because of Lakanwal’s nationality, questioning his reasoning for being in America due to the recent immigration laws and detainments. Lakanwal received U.S. paramilitary training on contract with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Afghanistan. He came to America in 2021, under a refugee program that aimed to relocate Afghans during America’s retreat from Afghanistan. This program was for those who worked with the U.S. against the Taliban or those who were threatened by them, to give them a place to go. CNN reports that Lakanwal was granted asylum back in 2024 by President Trump’s administration. The backlash of this caused the administration to stop all immigration cases involving Afghan immigrants. Many find this unfair and unreasonable, since people are leaving Afghanistan to escape groups that are killing their own citizens there. Children, women, and innocent men who fought against their own country as allies to America for twenty years are being terrorized. These people only want to come for a safe haven, but are being turned away because of the shooting.

Before President Trump deployed 500+ soldiers into Washington DC, a federal judge ruled it unlawful, meaning these soldiers were deployed illegally before the shooting. The judge warned this would be a risk, stating that the deployment “is going to lead to a dangerous or deadly encounter that could be catastrophic for public safety.” 

Many Americans are incredibly grateful to all those who have and continue to risk their lives to protect, serve, and honor the United States. The shooting of the National Guard members is only one of the latest examples of rising military and political conflicts.