An Afghan national accused of a deadly ambush that targeted National Guard members near the White House entered a plea of not guilty to all charges in a federal court. The charges are part of a 17-count superseding indictment.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed the indictment against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 30, who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan. Lakanwal is accused of killing West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and seriously wounding Guardsman Andrew Wolfe in an attack last November.
Prosecutors have stated that the charges include first-degree murder, making the case eligible for the death penalty.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro emphasized the severity of the crime. “Sarah Beckstrom was serving her country when Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly carried out this attack steps from the White House,” Pirro said. “This is a major offense against the United States, and we will seek every penalty the law permits.”
Lakanwal is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and firearm possession during a crime of violence. Prosecutors informed U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta that they will soon initiate the death penalty review process. The final decision on pursuing capital punishment lies with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
During the arraignment, Lakanwal appeared in a wheelchair wearing an orange prison jumpsuit, as he continues to recover from injuries sustained during the incident. Mehta scheduled the next status hearing for September 16.
According to court documents, Lakanwal allegedly drove from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to the District of Columbia with a stolen firearm. Prosecutors claimed he opened fire on National Guard members, hitting Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head. Two other National Guard members subdued Lakanwal at the scene.
Investigators recovered a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, reported stolen in Seattle in 2023. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Wolfe is still recovering.