Afghan National Pleads Not Guilty in Guard Shooting

A 29-year-old Afghan national accused of fatally shooting one National Guard member and wounding another in an ambush near the White House pleaded not guilty Tuesday to first-degree murder and assault charges during a remote court appearance from a hospital bed in Washington, D.C.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal faces charges including first-degree murder for the death of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, assault with intent to kill for the injury of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, and firearms offenses related to the November 26 attack. Beckstrom died the following day from her wounds, while Wolfe, both from the West Virginia National Guard, remained in serious condition as of Monday. Lakanwal, who was wounded in the incident, appeared via video in a hospital gown, communicating through an interpreter and stating he was in pain and unable to open his eyes. His court-appointed attorney entered the plea on his behalf during the brief hearing in D.C. Superior Court.

According to a police report and criminal complaint, Lakanwal approached the Guard members blocks from the White House, raised his hands in a firing position, and opened fire, striking Beckstrom and Wolfe as they fell. He shouted...