Trump Celebrates Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago Resort

President Donald Trump celebrated Thanksgiving at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida alongside First Lady Melania Trump. The holiday festivities included a round of golf on Thursday morning, and later that evening, the couple reached out to U.S. service members. Just days prior, the Trumps participated in the annual turkey pardoning ceremony at the White House, where they pardoned two birds named Waddle and Gobble.

Tragic Shooting Incident Amid Celebrations

Thanksgiving festivities were overshadowed by a tragic shooting incident near the White House. On Wednesday night, two members of the West Virginia National Guard sustained gunshot wounds. The injured servicemen were identified as Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who later succumbed to her injuries, and Army Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, who remains in critical condition following surgery.

• Victims:
  • Sarah Beckstrom, 20, deceased
  • Andrew Wolfe, 24, critical condition
• Date of Incident: Wednesday night, November 2025

Details of the Suspect

The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who was paroled into the U.S. on September 8, 2021, through a program known as Operation Allies Welcome. Lakanwal was confirmed to have worked with the CIA in Afghanistan. Authorities reported that he traveled from Washington state to commit the attack. He was injured during the incident and is currently in serious condition.

Government Response and National Security Concerns

In response to the shooting, U.S. Attorney for D.C., Jeanine Pirro, stated that the situation highlights serious security concerns. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that an additional 500 National Guard members will be deployed to Washington, D.C. This follows the approximately 2,200 troops already stationed there as of Sunday morning.

During a video statement, Trump condemned the shooting as an “act of evil and terror.” He emphasized the need to reassess the status of Afghan nationals who have entered the country since the Biden administration took office. “No country can tolerate such a risk,” he declared.

Summary of Key Events

The events surrounding Thanksgiving at Mar-a-Lago serve as a reminder of the stark contrasts between celebration and tragedy. As the nation reflects on these events, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of U.S. citizens.