Officials ID wounded National Guard members on job less than 24 hours before DC ambush as probe intensifies

Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were in critical condition after undergoing surgery, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said during a press conference Thursday morning.

"I also want to say that both Sarah and Andrew, I believe, were sworn in less than 24 hours before they were shot on the street in Washington," Pirro said.

"They answered the call. They took the charge. They volunteered. They put their lives on the line for people they don't even know," Pirro said of the two Guard members.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were in uniform near the Farragut West Metro station around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday when they were "ambushed" in "a brazen and targeted attack," Pirro said.

"A lone gunman opened fire without provocation, ambush style," she said. "Armed with a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver, one Guardsman is struck, goes down, and then the shooter leans over and strikes the Guardsmen again. Another Guardsman is struck several times."

Pirro said other nearby Guardsmen immediately rushed the suspect. One responding Guardsman shot the suspect, who was quickly subdued.

Authorities are investigating the shooting as a possible act of international terrorism.

"We are fully investigating that aspect of his background as well, to include any known associates that are either overseas or here in the United States of America," he said.

Patel said federal authorities have executed multiple search warrants across the country, including at Lakanwal's last known residence in Bellingham, Washington.

"During that process, we seized numerous electronic devices to include cellphones, laptops, iPads and other material that is being analyzed as we speak," he said.

"Pursuant to that investigation [in Washington], and any known associates of the subject and of that house is how we ended up in San Diego, where interviews were conducted and are going to be continued to be conducted."

Patel added: "And we will go anywhere in the country or the world where the evidence leads us."