Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been formally charged with murder in connection with the tragic shooting of two members of the West Virginia National Guard in Washington, D.C. The incident, which took place on November 25, resulted in the death of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically injured U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24. Lakanwal, who is currently recovering from gunshot wounds sustained during the incident, made a remote court appearance from his hospital bed.
During the court session held via video link, Lakanwal appeared in a hospital gown, lying under a blanket. Through a Pashtu interpreter, he faced serious charges including one count of murder, two counts of assault with intent to kill, and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Lakanwal pleaded not guilty to all charges through his court-appointed attorney. He expressed his discomfort during the hearing, stating, “I cannot open my eyes, I have pain in my ear,” through the interpreter.
The shooting occurred around 2 PM, just before the Thanksgiving rush hour, raising concerns about public safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ariel Dean described the incident as shocking, noting that Lakanwal ambushed the National Guard members while they were conducting high visibility patrols just blocks away from the White House. According to authorities, Lakanwal shot Beckstrom from behind before he was subdued and shot by another guard member.
Newly unsealed details from a criminal complaint reveal that Beckstrom was shot in the back of the head, while Wolfe also suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Eyewitness accounts indicated that after firing at the guards, Lakanwal shouted “Allahu Akbar,” an Arabic phrase meaning “God is great.” Video evidence allegedly shows him approaching the National Guard members with a firearm raised.
The firearm used in the attack was identified as a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, which was reportedly empty when Lakanwal attempted to reload. Following the shooting, he was subdued by a witness and uniformed Secret Service officers. D.C. Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond ordered that Lakanwal be held without bond until at least January 14, citing clear premeditation in the attack.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are treating the shooting as a potential act of international terrorism. Sources have indicated that the FBI is looking into whether Lakanwal's actions were inspired by ties to a terrorist organization, although no direct evidence has been made public. Previously, Lakanwal had worked with the U.S. government in Afghanistan, specifically with the Zero Unit, in collaboration with the CIA and Joint Special Operations Command.
Reports suggest that Lakanwal was under financial stress due to an expired work permit and was possibly experiencing a mental health crisis. Investigators are also examining the impact of the recent death of an Afghan commander, whom Lakanwal respected, on his mental and emotional state. These factors may have contributed to the tragic events that unfolded in Washington, D.C., raising questions about the complexities surrounding his background and the motivations for the attack.
The ongoing investigation aims to uncover the full context of this alarming incident, which has shaken both the local community and those with ties to the military. As developments continue to unfold, authorities are committed to ensuring justice for the victims and their families.