Charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two National Guard members, have been elevated to first-degree murder following the death of one soldier. The U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia announced the change on Friday. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died after being hospitalized in critical condition, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in serious condition after the shooting near the White House on Wednesday afternoon.

Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War, now faces one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of a federal mission to support the D.C. police force.

President Donald Trump labeled the incident a "terrorist attack" and criticized the Biden administration for allowing Afghans who assisted U.S. forces to enter the country. He has expressed a desire to "permanently pause migration" from poorer nations and has called for the expulsion of millions of immigrants.

In a related development, Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, announced a pause on all asylum decisions. He stated this halt would remain in effect until the government can ensure thorough vetting and screening of all applicants.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro indicated that more charges could follow the upgraded murder charge. She expressed condolences to Beckstrom's family, noting that she was "ambushed" while serving her country. Investigators are actively pursuing leads to determine Lakanwal's motive, executing search warrants in Washington and other locations.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited National Guard troops in Washington on Friday, leading a prayer for Beckstrom and Wolfe. He described Beckstrom as a "beautiful human being and a great American willing to serve her country."

Wolfe remains in "very critical condition," according to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, who ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Beckstrom. Morrisey praised the courage and commitment of both soldiers, stating they represent the best of West Virginia.

Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. in 2021 through a program designed to resettle Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal, had been living in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children. Neighbors described him as polite and quiet, with one noting that he had been struggling to find work. Lakanwal had briefly worked as a delivery driver for Amazon Flex but had not been active since late August.

In a Thanksgiving address, Trump commented on Lakanwal's actions, stating, "He went cuckoo. I mean, he went nuts." Lakanwal had served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit known for its involvement in front-line combat and security operations during the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Beckstrom, who enlisted in 2023 after graduating high school, served as a military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company. The West Virginia National Guard praised her leadership and dedication, stating she volunteered for Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful to help ensure the safety of the nation's capital. Trump referred to Beckstrom as an "incredible person, outstanding in every single way."