President Trump revealed Thursday that his administration has not ruled out deporting the family of the Afghan refugee accused of killing one National Guard soldier and wounding another in Washington, DC.
“Well, we’re looking at that right now,” the president told reporters Thursday when asked if he plans to deport the wife and children of 29-year-old terror suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
“We’re looking at the whole situation with family. It’s a tragic situation.”
Trump made the revelation after announcing that West Virginia National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died as a result of the cowardly ambush.
Lakanwal arrived in the US in 2021 after the chaotic US pullout from Afghanistan. He eventually resettled in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and at least five children.
Lakanwal, who fought in Afghanistan and came into the US under the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome program, allegedly opened fire and struck two National Guard troops just blocks away from the White House around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday.
Beckstrom — who was shot in the head and chest — was patrolling the area with guardsman Andrew Wolfe, 24, when the barbaric attack unfolded.
A third guardsman rushed to the scene and took down Lakanwal, who was also left with gunshot wounds in the melee.
Lakanwal, who was taken to the hospital, is already 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 previously announced plans to pursue first-degree murder charges against the terror suspect if one of the two soldiers died from their wounds.
Beckstrom was rushed into emergency surgery following the ambush and listed in critical condition, but her prognosis stayed grim until she ultimately died Thursday night.
“She’s just passed away,” Trump announced during a Thanksgiving evening call to half of a dozen military units to mark the holiday.
“She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now,” a somber Trump said, calling Beckstrom and “incredible person, outstanding in every single way.”
Attorney General Pam Bondi said federal prosecutors will pursue the death penalty against Lakanwal.
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