Federal prosecutors filed new charges Tuesday against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national accused of fatally shooting one National Guard member and critically wounding another in an ambush-style attack several blocks from the White House last November.
Background
The attack occurred as Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were deployed to Washington, D.C., from the West Virginia National Guard as part of an anti-crime operation on the streets of the capital. Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on the service members before being subdued by other personnel at the scene.
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to evacuate and vet Afghan nationals during the U.S. military's withdrawal from Afghanistan and the Taliban's takeover of the country. He subsequently applied for asylum, which was granted last year, though his application for permanent residency remained pending.
While in Afghanistan, Lakanwal worked with the U.S. government, including the Central Intelligence Agency, according to a CIA spokesperson. CBS News previously reported that he led an Afghan military unit that worked alongside international forces.
The Charges
A D.C.-based federal grand jury returned a superseding indictment charging Lakanwal with eight additional counts, including murder of a person assisting an officer of the United States and discharge of a firearm during a violent crime that causes death. Both charges carry potential death penalty exposure upon conviction.
The grand jury separately found sufficient evidence to conclude that Lakanwal "intentionally killed" Beckstrom and attempted to kill more than one person — legal factors required under federal law before prosecutors can pursue capital punishment. The Justice Department stated its Capital Case Committee will review whether to recommend seeking the death penalty.
Lakanwal also faces multiple federal charges of attempted murder and firearm offenses, along with D.C.-level counts of first-degree murder, assault and gun possession. He pleaded not guilty to all charges during a court hearing Tuesday. His attorney did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Key Takeaways
- Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was killed in the November attack; Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was critically wounded
- Lakanwal entered the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome after working with American intelligence agencies in Afghanistan
- Two new death penalty-eligible charges were added: murder of a person assisting federal officers and discharge of firearm causing death during violent crime
- The grand jury's finding that Lakanwal "intentionally killed" clears one legal threshold for potential capital prosecution
- Justice Department Capital Case Committee will determine whether to formally recommend pursuing the death penalty
What's Next
Lakanwal remains in federal custody as his case proceeds. Prosecutors have indicated they will continue building their case while awaiting a decision from the Capital Case Committee on whether to seek capital punishment. No trial date has been set, and defense attorneys have not publicly outlined their strategy. The case is being prosecuted in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.