Afghan National Pleads Not Guilty in White House Shooting Case

The Afghan national accused of a fatal ambush-style shooting targeting National Guard members near the White House has pleaded not guilty to a 17-count federal indictment. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 30, allegedly killed West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and severely wounded Guardsman Andrew Wolfe in an attack last November.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) recently unsealed the indictment against Lakanwal, who had worked for the CIA in Afghanistan. Prosecutors noted that the charges, which include first-degree murder, could make the case eligible for the death penalty.

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, declared Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia. 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 appeared wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and skullcap, remaining in a wheelchair as he recovers from injuries sustained during the incident. DOJ prosecutors informed U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta of their intention to initiate the death penalty review process soon. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche will make the final decision regarding capital punishment.

Lakanwal faces charges of 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. Judge Mehta scheduled the next status hearing for September 16.

According to court documents, Lakanwal allegedly drove a Toyota Prius from Bellingham, Washington, to the District of Columbia while carrying a stolen firearm. Prosecutors claim he fired shots at West Virginia National Guard members, hitting Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head. Nearby National Guard members managed to subdue him on the scene.

Investigators recovered a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, reported stolen in Seattle in 2023. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Wolfe continues to recover. The case remains under intense scrutiny.