A member of the National Guard has died from injuries sustained in a shooting near the White House earlier this week. The victim has been identified as a 20-year-old soldier from West Virginia.
The incident also left a second guardsman, a 24-year-old staff sergeant, in critical condition and fighting for his life.
The suspected gunman, a 29-year-old Afghan national, now faces upgraded charges, including first-degree murder, according to federal prosecutors. The suspect was shot at the scene by another guard member and is currently hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities have described the attack as an “ambush-style” assault. The suspect reportedly drove across the country to carry out the shooting using a .357 caliber revolver, firing on the two guardsmen before being subdued.
The suspect had previously worked with a CIA-backed unit in Afghanistan and entered the United States in 2021 through a resettlement program established after the U.S. withdrawal from that country. He was granted asylum earlier this year.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism. Law enforcement officials have executed search warrants at multiple locations connected to the suspect, including a residence in Washington state and another property in California.
In response to the attack, officials have announced plans to deploy additional National Guard personnel to the capital. The incident has also prompted renewed scrutiny of immigration vetting procedures, with some officials calling for a review of resettlement programs.
The fallen soldier had served since June 2023 and was described by state officials as having served with courage and unwavering dedication to her country.
