Exploring Root Causes of Political Violence: Episode 33

While patrolling DC, two West Virginia #NationalGuard members, Sarah Beckstrom (20) and Andrew Wolfe (24), were shot on the day before Thanksgiving by an Afghan man (29). Beckstrom died from her injuries, while Wolfe remains in recovery. The shooting suspect, who came to the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, seems to be radicalized, and/or mentally ill; he is in custody, and has plead not guilty to charges including first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon. This week on #WashedUp, episode 33, Colin Mullaney and Abigail Cavizo discuss the implications of this news for DC and for the #immigration debate; the #legacymedia and politicians' tendency to assign blame after violence; how to recenter the conversation on individuals — not groups; and possible social and cultural explanations (and also creative/peaceful solutions) for political violence. In the same vein, a suspect (30) in the placement of pipe bombs outside the DNC before Jan. 6, 2021, was arrested last week in Virginia after a nearly 5-year search; he has been speaking with investigators on the matter, which will hopefully elucidate a motive, and bring resolution to a mystery that shrouded the entire Jan. 6, 2021 saga. FBI Director Kash Patel appeared on The Megyn Kelly show last week, to discuss the breakthrough in this investigation.All opinions are our own and do not reflect those of any institution or affiliation, past or present. This episode was recorded on Dec. 6, 2025.