President Trump stated on Thursday that deportation of the family of an Afghan refugee, accused of killing a National Guardsman and injuring another in Washington, D.C., remains a possibility. When questioned about whether he might deport the wife and children of 29-year-old Rahmanullah Rakanwar, the president replied, “Yes, we are considering it now.”
He added the administration is currently collaborating with the family to understand the situation fully, remarking, “It is a tragic situation.” This announcement came shortly after the news of 20-year-old National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom’s death, following a horrific ambush.
Rakanwar, who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 after the tumultuous withdrawal from Afghanistan, had settled with his wife and at least five children in Bellingham, Washington. He came under the Biden administration’s Operation Welcoming Allies program after serving in Afghanistan. It was reported that he allegedly opened fire on two National Guardsmen just blocks away from the White House around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
Beckstrom was patrolling with security guard Andrew Wolfe, 24, when the shooting occurred. A third guard intervened, subduing Rakanwar, who also suffered injuries during the incident.
Rakanwar has since been charged with multiple counts, including assault with intent to kill and possession of a weapon, facing potential prison time of up to 15 years. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro previously indicated that if one of the injured soldiers succumbs to their injuries, first-degree murder charges could be pursued against Rakanwar.
Following emergency surgery, Beckstrom’s condition was critical, and she eventually passed away on Thursday night. During Thanksgiving, President Trump spoke with six military units to honor the holiday and somberly noted, “She just passed away.” He described her as a “wonderful person who was excellent in every way.”
In response to the circumstances, Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that prosecutors would seek the death penalty against Rakanwar.
