Washington: The United States has vowed to deliver the "most severe punishment" to the individual responsible for the fatal shooting of National Guard member Specialist Sarah Beckstrom near the White House. Beckstrom, 20, was killed, and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, was seriously injured in the attack on Wednesday.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt condemned the perpetrator, describing him as a "monster," and emphasised the commitment to prosecuting the case to the fullest extent of the law. Leavitt also faulted the previous Biden administration for "recklessly" allowing nearly 100,000 Afghans into the country with inadequate vetting, linking this to the incident.

The accused, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, entered the U.S. in 2021 under "Operation Allies Welcome" following the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan during Joe Biden's presidency. Leavitt branded Biden's withdrawal as among the most embarrassing moments in American history and claimed its consequences continue to affect the nation and its military personnel.

President Donald Trump stated that Andrew Wolfe was "fighting for his life" and expressed his intention to honour both soldiers at the White House.

Trump criticised the Biden administration for admitting "unchecked and unvetted" immigrants, accusing former Vice President Kamala Harris of allowing "anyone and everyone" to enter the U.S.

Leavitt’s comments follow revelations that the suspect specifically targeted the guardsmen during “high visibility patrols” near the White House, discharging 10-15 rounds from a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, before being subdued by other officers.

Authorities continue to investigate the shooting incident, with the suspect currently in custody and recovering from a non-life-threatening gunshot wound.

With inputs from ANI