Summary
A man named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, pleaded not guilty from a hospital bed to charges including murder and assault after shooting two National Guard troops near the White House. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was killed and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was wounded in what authorities called an ambush-style attack. Lakanwal, who came to the U.S. through a resettlement program, is being held without bond and may face more charges as investigations continue.
Key Facts
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, aged 29, is accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House.
- Lakanwal pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and illegal firearm possession.
- Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was killed, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was injured in the incident.
- The shooting occurred during a law enforcement surge ordered by President Trump in Washington, D.C.
- Lakanwal was apprehended after allegedly firing and yelling during the attack.
- He entered the U.S. through a resettlement program for Afghans and applied for asylum.
- The court ordered him to remain in custody without bond until the next hearing in January.
- Further federal charges may arise from ongoing investigations, and the possibility of seeking the death penalty is under consideration.
