Afghan national pleads not guilty in DC Guard shooting case

An Afghan national pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to a 17-count federal indictment that makes him eligible for the death penalty for the fatal shooting of a National Guard soldier and the wounding of another near the White House last year. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 30, entered the plea during his arraignment in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C.

Lakanwal is accused of killing Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, in an ambush-style attack on Nov. 26, 2025. The shooting occurred on the 1700 block of I Street NW, just blocks from the White House. Prosecutors allege Lakanwal drove from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to the nation's capital while in possession of a stolen .357 Magnum revolver and opened fire on the two service members without provocation, striking both in the head.

During Tuesday's hearing, Lakanwal appeared in a wheelchair and an orange prison jumpsuit. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated that the Department of Justice will begin the formal review process to determine whether to seek capital punishment, a decision that will ultimately be made by the Acting Attorney General. The new charges include murder...