Afghan National Charged in Attack on National Guard Members Near White House
An Afghan national faced charges for a deadly shooting near the White House. Accused of targeting National Guard members, Rahmanullah Lakanwal pleaded not guilty to all charges in a 17-count federal indictment on Tuesday.
Indictment and Charges
The Department of Justice unsealed the indictment against Lakanwal, 30, who reportedly worked for the CIA in Afghanistan. Prosecutors accuse him of killing West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and severely wounding Guardsman Andrew Wolfe in the attack last November.
The charges include first-degree murder, making 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,” said 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.”
Details of the Incident
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Lakanwal allegedly used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 26, 2025. During Tuesday’s arraignment, Lakanwal appeared in an orange prison jumpsuit and skullcap, sitting in a wheelchair as he recovers from injuries sustained during the incident. Prosecutors informed U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta that a death penalty review process would begin soon, with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche making the final decision.
Ongoing Legal Process
Lakanwal is 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. Judge Mehta scheduled the next status hearing for Sept. 16.
Details of the Crime
Court documents suggest Lakanwal drove his Toyota Prius from Bellingham, Washington, to the District of Columbia, carrying a stolen firearm. Prosecutors allege he opened fire on West Virginia National Guard members, striking Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head. On-site members subdued Lakanwal after the attack. Investigators recovered a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver reported stolen in 2023 from Seattle.
Beckstrom reportedly died from her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Wolfe is still recovering. Photos of the victims, Beckstrom and Wolfe, are displayed with a makeshift memorial of flowers and American flags outside Farragut West Station, the site of the shooting, as reported by news agencies.