Suspect in National Guard shooting now faces new federal charges that could lead to discussions of the death penalty.
Man Charged in Shooting of National Guard Troops Near White House
In a significant legal development, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, has been formally charged with federal firearms offenses in connection with the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House on November 26. The incident tragically resulted in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and left Specialist Andrew Wolfe, 24, seriously injured.
Lakanwal has been charged under a complaint that alleges he transported a firearm across state lines with the intent to commit a felony punishable by a year or more in prison. Furthermore, he faces charges for transporting a stolen firearm in interstate commerce. The transfer of the case from the Superior Court to federal District Court indicates the severity of the charges, prompting U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro to note that the case will undergo extensive review to potentially consider the death penalty. The gravity of the situation was underscored by the emotional toll on Beckstrom’s family, who now face the holiday season without their daughter, while Wolfe embarks on a long recovery process.
In addition to federal charges, Lakanwal is charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and illegal possession of a firearm under D.C. law. He has pleaded not guilty to the local charges. It is noteworthy that D.C. Superior Court does not impose the death penalty.
According to officials, both Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed as part of President Donald Trump’s law-enforcement surge, which saw an influx of federal agents and military personnel in the capital beginning in August. Lakanwal’s alleged actions reportedly involved traveling from Bellingham, Washington, to Washington, D.C., armed with a stolen firearm, ultimately ambushing the two soldiers outside a subway station located just three blocks from the White House.
Lakanwal, an Afghan national, previously worked with the U.S. government, including the CIA, as part of a partner force in Kandahar, Afghanistan. He entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a program initiated by the Biden administration to assist in the evacuation and resettlement of thousands of Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
As of now, Lakanwal’s attorney has not provided any comments regarding the case. The ongoing legal proceedings will likely attract significant public and media scrutiny, given the high-profile nature of the incident and its implications for both national security and community safety. Media News Source will continue to provide updates as this story develops.
