UMVA has learned that a 30-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, pleaded not guilty to a 17-count federal superseding indictment on Tuesday, in connection with a deadly ambush-style shooting targeting National Guard members near the White House.
The indictment accuses Lakanwal, a former CIA employee in Afghanistan, of killing West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and severely wounding Guardsman Andrew Wolfe in last November's attack. The charges, which include first-degree murder, make the case eligible for the death penalty.
Prosecutors allege that Lakanwal drove from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to the District of Columbia, in possession of a stolen firearm, and opened fire on the National Guard members, striking Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head. Two nearby guards then subdued Lakanwal at the scene.
Sarah Beckstrom, just 20 years old at the time, was serving her country in the nation's capital when Lakanwal allegedly executed her in cold blood, steps from the White House. US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro vowed to pursue every penalty the law permits, seeking justice for Beckstrom and Wolfe.
Lakanwal, seen wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and skullcap, and confined to a wheelchair due to injuries sustained during the incident, will have his case reviewed for the death penalty. The final decision on whether to pursue capital punishment will be made by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
The suspect faces multiple charges, including 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. A .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, stolen in Seattle in 2023, was recovered by investigators.
The next status hearing in the case has been set for September 16, as Lakanwal continues to face justice for his alleged role in the brutal attack. Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Wolfe continues to recover from his wounds.
