ISLAMABAD/WASHINGTON: Pakistan on Friday strongly condemned the shooting of two US National Guard soldiers in Washington, DC, describing the attack as a “heinous assault” and a troubling sign of resurgent global terrorism.
Read More: Trump orders states to form new National Guard rapid-response forces
Two soldiers were critically wounded on Wednesday near the White House, with President Donald Trump terming the incident an “act of terror.” One soldier, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, has since died, while her colleague Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.
In a press statement, Pakistan’s Foreign Office (FO) extended condolences to the families of the victims and the US government and called for enhanced global cooperation to confront transnational terrorism. “Pakistan remains committed to working with the US and the wider international community to address the shared challenge of terrorism,” it said.
PR No.3️⃣5️⃣6️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣5️⃣
US Shooting Incident Involving Afghan National https://t.co/Ms9GuXOzVe
⬇️ pic.twitter.com/bqmkEmEaho— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) November 28, 2025
The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, reportedly served with a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan before entering the US in 2021 under a resettlement programme. Authorities said he ambushed the soldiers with a .357 Magnum and was later wounded in a shootout with other troops.
The FBI has seized electronic devices from Lakanwal’s residence and interviewed relatives as part of an ongoing terrorism investigation. US officials highlighted concerns over vetting procedures during the 2021 Afghan resettlement process, though evidence linking it to the attack is not yet confirmed.
Two National Guard soldiers doing their job in Washington, D.C. were ambushed and shot multiple times yesterday by Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national Biden let into the country under his chaotic Operation Allies Welcome after the disastrous Afghanistan pullout.
MSNBC’s… pic.twitter.com/xK3EBnbLIq
— Mark UltraMaga 1A 2A (@MarkUltramaga) November 27, 2025
President Trump described the attack as a reminder of the importance of strict immigration controls and national security, while US Attorney Jeanine Pirro outlined that the gunman traveled cross-country before targeting the soldiers on duty near the White House.
Read More: US to train new rapid-response national guard units by 2026
The incident underscores both domestic and international concerns over terrorism and security, prompting renewed calls for vigilance and collaboration among nations to prevent similar attacks in the future.