The Afghan national accused of a deadly ambush-style shooting involving National Guard members near the White House entered a not guilty plea on Tuesday. This plea responds to a 17-count federal superseding indictment.
Earlier, the Department of Justice unsealed charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, aged 30, who had worked for the CIA in Afghanistan. Lakanwal faces accusations of killing West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and severely injuring Guardsman Andrew Wolfe in an attack last November.
Charges against him, including first-degree murder, could qualify the case for the death penalty. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro emphasized the gravity of the offense. Pirro stated that Beckstrom, 20, was serving her nation when Lakanwal allegedly executed the attack near the White House.
Sarah Beckstrom was 20 years old, serving her country in the nation’s capital, when Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly drove across the country and executed her in cold blood steps from the White House. That is not just a crime, it is a major offense against the United States. We will pursue every penalty the law permits as we seek justice for Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe.
During the arraignment, Lakanwal was dressed in an orange prison jumpsuit and remained in a wheelchair. Prosecutors noted injuries he allegedly incurred during the incident. The Department of Justice intends to begin reviewing the death penalty as a possible sentence. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will make the final decision.
Lakanwal’s current charges include first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta scheduled the next hearing for September 16.
Photos of Beckstrom and Wolfe were placed above a makeshift memorial near Farragut West Station, where the shooting occurred.
According to court documents, Lakanwal drove from Bellingham, Washington, to the District of Columbia. He was allegedly in possession of a stolen firearm. Prosecutors claim he fired shots at the National Guard members, striking Beckstrom and Wolfe. Two other National Guard members managed to subdue him at the scene.
Investigators found a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver reportedly stolen in Seattle in 2023. Officials confirmed Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Wolfe is still recovering.
Reporter Bonny Chu contributed to this article.
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