In brief
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, is facing serious charges including first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill after an incident near the White House that resulted in the death of one National Guard member and the injury of another. As an Afghan national who assisted U.S. forces, Lakanwal ambushed the guardsmen with a stolen firearm.
WASHINGTON (AP) — Rahmanullah Lakanwal, age 29, has been charged in connection with the tragic shooting of two National Guard troops near the White House on November 26, leading to the death of one member and the injury of another. Lakanwal faces a federal complaint for transporting firearms across state lines intending to commit an offense punishable by more than a year, alongside charges for transporting a stolen firearm. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized the seriousness of the situation, indicating that the transfer of the case to federal court allows for a thorough consideration regarding the potential application of the death penalty, particularly given the youth of the victim, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom.Lakanwal, who was also shot during the incident, has denied the charges in Washington, D.C. court, where he is charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and illegal firearm possession. The shooting occurred while Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe were deployed to support President Donald Trump's law-enforcement surge.Details reveal Lakanwal's background as an Afghan national who worked with U.S. forces, including the CIA, before arriving in the U.S. through Operation Allies Welcome, which provided refuge to many Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. The case continues to develop as Lakanwal awaits further proceedings.
