Story perspectives

Afghan Immigrant Charged with Murder of National Guard Member

11/28/2025

Summary

Story summary

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan immigrant, faces first-degree murder charges over National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom's death in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that Lakanwal ambushed Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe with a .357 revolver.
U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the attack and urged a review of Afghan refugee admissions, while U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services paused Afghan immigration processing pending a security review.

History

Historical Context

The U.S. travel ban in 2017, which affected several Muslim-majority countries including Afghanistan, led to a 70% drop in Afghan refugee resettlements. This policy shift, alongside ongoing security concerns highlighted by recent murder charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, raises questions about the vetting processes for Afghan refugees and the implications for U.S. national security strategies moving forward.

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Story summary

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan immigrant, faces first-degree murder charges over National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom's death in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that Lakanwal ambushed Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe with a .357 revolver.
U.S. President Donald Trump condemned the attack and urged a review of Afghan refugee admissions, while U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services paused Afghan immigration processing pending a security review.

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