Trump doesn’t rule out deporting DC shooting suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s family

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump said on Thursday, November 27, that he has not ruled out deporting the family of the shooting suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, involved in the Washington, DC, ambush-style attack near the White House. 

The POTUS made the revelation after announcing the death of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, a West Virginia National Guard member who was shot in the attack. The other victim, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, "is fighting for his life." 

Trump calls DC shooting a 'tragic situation'

When asked by a reporter on Thursday whether he plans to deport the wife and children of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, Donald Trump said, "Well, we’re looking at that right now. We’re looking at the whole situation with family. It’s a tragic situation."

Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 under "Operation Allies Welcome" in the wake of the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. He resettled in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and at least five children. 

Lakanwal allegedly opened fire and struck two National Guard troops just blocks away from the White House around 2.15 PM on Wednesday.

Beckstrom — who was shot in the head and chest — was patrolling the area with guardsman Wolfe when the attack took place.

A third guardsman rushed to the scene after hearing the gunshots and took down Lakanwal, who was also left with gunshot wounds in the melee. 

The 29-year-old suspect is facing at least three counts of assault with intent to kill and criminal possession of a weapon. Those counts carry up to 15 years behind bars. 

US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro earlier announced plans to pursue first-degree murder charges against the terror suspect if one of the two soldiers died from their wounds.

Trump says he'd ‘certainly’ consider attending funeral of Sarah Beckstrom

During a call with the US service members, Donald Trump said he would "certainly" consider attending the funeral of Sarah Beckstrom.

The POTUS said Beckstrom’s family was "devastated" and praised the young soldier as "highly respected" and "magnificent."

Trump told reporters he had not yet considered attending the funeral, adding that it was "certainly something I could conceive of" and noted his connection to West Virginia.

He mentioned that Beckstrom’s parents were at her side when he spoke with them and described her as "outstanding in every way."

"I heard that Sarah Beckstrom, of West Virginia ... highly respected, young, magnificent person, started service in June of 2023, outstanding in every way, she's just passed away. She was savagely attacked. She's dead now," the POTUS mentioned.

He also shared that Wolfe was "fighting for his life" and hoped for "better news" regarding his condition.