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Afghan National Pleads Not Guilty in White House Shooting

12/5/2025

46 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, pleaded not guilty to murder and assault in the November 26 shooting near the White House that killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and left Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe critically injured.
Lakanwal appeared in court via video from a hospital bed after the attack.
Prosecutors allege he shouted "Allahu Akbar" while firing.
The judge ordered him held without bond, citing the sheer terror of the attack.

History

Historical Context

The September 11, 2001, attacks by al-Qaeda, which killed nearly 3,000 people, triggered a surge in hate crimes against Muslims, with incidents increasing by 400% in the U.S. alone. In the aftermath, President Bush emphasized the distinction between Islam and terrorism, yet the attacks ignited ongoing debates about national security, civil liberties, and the treatment of individuals perceived as threats.

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Story summary

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, pleaded not guilty to murder and assault in the November 26 shooting near the White House that killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and left Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe critically injured.
Lakanwal appeared in court via video from a hospital bed after the attack.
Prosecutors allege he shouted "Allahu Akbar" while firing.
The judge ordered him held without bond, citing the sheer terror of the attack.

1 / 2