AfriPulse
An Afghan national, accused of orchestrating a deadly ambush against National Guard personnel near the White House, entered a plea of not guilty on Tuesday to all charges listed in a newly expanded 17-count federal indictment.
Earlier that day, the Department of Justice unveiled the indictment against 30-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a former CIA employee in Afghanistan. Lakanwal is alleged to have fatally shot West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and critically injured Guardsman Andrew Wolfe during an attack last November.
The indictment includes charges of first-degree murder, which could potentially result in the death penalty, according to prosecutors.
Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating, “Sarah Beckstrom, at just 20 years old, was serving her country in the heart of the nation when Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly traveled across the country to execute her near the White House. This act isn’t merely a crime—it’s a significant offense against the United States. We are committed to pursuing the full extent of the law in seeking justice for Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia reported that the weapon used in the attack on November 26, 2025—a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver—was identified as belonging to the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal. (Image Credit: Nathan Howard/Reuters)
During Tuesday’s arraignment, the suspect was seen wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and skullcap and remained in a wheelchair, as he appears to recover from injuries prosecutors say he sustained during the incident.
DOJ prosecutors told U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta that they will begin the death penalty review process shortly.
The final decision on whether to pursue capital punishment will be made by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
Lakanwal remains charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Mehta set the next status hearing for Sept. 16.
Photos of Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe are displayed above a makeshift memorial with flowers and American flags outside Farragut West Station near the site where two National Guard members were shot in Washington on Nov. 29, 2025. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)
ALLEGED NATIONAL GUARD SHOOTER WORKED WITH US GOVERNMENT ENTITIES IN AFGHANISTAN, INCLUDING CIA: RATCLIFFE
According to court documents, Lakanwal allegedly drove his Toyota Prius from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to the District of Columbia while in possession of a stolen firearm.
Prosecutors said he opened fire on West Virginia National Guard members, striking Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head. Two nearby National Guard members then subdued Lakanwal at the scene, officials said.
A member of the National Guard stands near the White House after a gunman opened fire in Washington, D.C., on May 23, 2026. (Brooke Curto/News Media)
Investigators reportedly recovered a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver that had been reported stolen in Seattle in 2023.
Officials said Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Wolfe continues to recover from his injuries.
Source: NewsFinale | Read the Full Story…
