Hero Guardsman Foils Terror Attack Near White House with Pocket Knife
In a dramatic display of bravery, a National Guard specialist saved two lives when she tackled a terror suspect who had opened fire on fellow guardsmen just blocks from the White House. The heroic act was made all the more remarkable by the fact that the attacker was neutralized with nothing but a pocket knife.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, a Afghan evacuee who had settled in Washington state, allegedly carried out the attack after arriving in the nation's capital earlier this week. He was laying in wait at a corner near the Farragut West Metro entrance when he spotted two armed guardsmen on patrol. According to reports, Lakanwal then pulled out a .357 Magnum-caliber revolver and began firing, striking Specialist Sarah Beckstrom in the head and chest.
Beckstrom's father told the New York Times that his daughter is not expected to survive her wounds. Her colleague, 24-year-old Guard Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, was also critically injured after Lakanwal allegedly picked up Beckstrom's gun and continued shooting at him.
But it was a brave National Guard major who leapt into action, using only his wits and a pocket knife to turn the tables on the attacker. Despite not having a weapon of his own, the major heard Lakanwal yelling "Allahu akbar" - the phrase often used by Islamic extremists carrying out terror attacks - and quickly assessed the situation.
When Lakanwal paused to reload, the major ducked behind a car and pulled out his pocket knife, striking the attacker multiple times before he could pose a further threat. A fourth National Guardsman who arrived on the scene later shot Lakanwal in the buttocks and leg.
Lakanwal has been charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and intent to kill while armed. The motive behind his actions is still unclear, but it's believed that he was driven by extremist ideology linked to his time serving in local paramilitary operations installed by the US government in Afghanistan.
The guardsmen involved in the incident are receiving medical treatment after their ordeal, with Beckstrom's father expressing concern for her daughter's future. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism and the bravery of those who risk their lives to protect others.
In a dramatic display of bravery, a National Guard specialist saved two lives when she tackled a terror suspect who had opened fire on fellow guardsmen just blocks from the White House. The heroic act was made all the more remarkable by the fact that the attacker was neutralized with nothing but a pocket knife.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, a Afghan evacuee who had settled in Washington state, allegedly carried out the attack after arriving in the nation's capital earlier this week. He was laying in wait at a corner near the Farragut West Metro entrance when he spotted two armed guardsmen on patrol. According to reports, Lakanwal then pulled out a .357 Magnum-caliber revolver and began firing, striking Specialist Sarah Beckstrom in the head and chest.
Beckstrom's father told the New York Times that his daughter is not expected to survive her wounds. Her colleague, 24-year-old Guard Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, was also critically injured after Lakanwal allegedly picked up Beckstrom's gun and continued shooting at him.
But it was a brave National Guard major who leapt into action, using only his wits and a pocket knife to turn the tables on the attacker. Despite not having a weapon of his own, the major heard Lakanwal yelling "Allahu akbar" - the phrase often used by Islamic extremists carrying out terror attacks - and quickly assessed the situation.
When Lakanwal paused to reload, the major ducked behind a car and pulled out his pocket knife, striking the attacker multiple times before he could pose a further threat. A fourth National Guardsman who arrived on the scene later shot Lakanwal in the buttocks and leg.
Lakanwal has been charged with possession of a firearm during a crime of violence and intent to kill while armed. The motive behind his actions is still unclear, but it's believed that he was driven by extremist ideology linked to his time serving in local paramilitary operations installed by the US government in Afghanistan.
The guardsmen involved in the incident are receiving medical treatment after their ordeal, with Beckstrom's father expressing concern for her daughter's future. The attack serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing threat of terrorism and the bravery of those who risk their lives to protect others.
! I mean, can you even imagine being just 1 block away from the White House and having some psycho try to take out two guards with a .357 Magnum? 
And what's wild is that it was all stopped by a major using just a pocket knife 
! Like, talk about quick thinking! The fact that the attacker yelled "Allahu akbar" makes it sound like an ISIS plot, but we gotta remember that not everyone who says those words are terrorists, you know? 
Anyway, kudos to the brave guardsmen and major for saving lives on the spot 
. I'm sure Specialist Beckstrom's dad is keeping her in his thoughts right now 
. Let's all take a sec to pray for her speedy recovery 
! #JusticeForSarahBeckstrom #BraveryKnowsNoBounds #WhiteHouseSecurity
. And to think she's not even carrying a gun, it's like she was born for this moment 
. My heart goes out to Sarah Beckstrom's family, I hope she pulls through this 
. Seriously though, 29 years old and you're already carrying out terrorist attacks? That's crazy. The fact that a pocket knife was able to take him down shows how crazy this guy must have been. My heart goes out to the two guardsmen who got hurt, especially Sarah Beckstrom - I'm sending all my positive vibes for her to recover 
. It's just so sad and disturbing at the same time. We need more people like that heroic major who risk their lives to protect us 
another mass shooting in the US 
these guardsmen put their lives on the line every single day, what's next for them after they recover from these wounds? 
no one should have to live with PTSD due to a senseless act of violence by someone who was radicalized online... 
and now we gotta deal with another suspect linked to extremist ideology?