Full Breakdown
Afghan National Pleads Not Guilty in White House-Area Guard Shooting
6/17/2026, 3:27:43 AM
Shooting Near the White House and New Federal Indictment
On November 26, 2025, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, ambushed two West Virginia National Guard members near the Farragut West Metro station, close to the White House. He killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, after shouting the phrase Allahu Akbar and firing a stolen .357-caliber revolver. Two Guard majors subdued Lakanwal, who was injured. A 17-count superseding indictment, filed February 4, 2025, charges him with first-degree murder, murder of a person assisting an officer, and firearm discharge during a violent crime—offenses eligible for the death penalty. He entered a not-guilty plea before U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta.
Background and Lakanwal’s U.S. Entry
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 via Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden administration’s evacuation program after the 2021 withdrawal. In Afghanistan he worked with U.S. forces, including the CIA; former CIA Director John Ratcliffe called him a “member of a partner force” in Kandahar. He later received asylum, but his green-card application remains pending.
Legal Timeline and Charges
- Nov 26, 2025 – Shooting near the White House, killing Beckstrom and wounding Wolfe.
- Jan 2025 – Initial not-guilty plea to nine charges.
- Feb 4, 2025 – Superseding 17-count indictment; charges include first-degree murder, murder of a person assisting an officer, and firearm discharge during a violent crime, all death-penalty-eligible.
- Sept 16, 2025 – Next court appearance; trial date not set.
Official Statements & Responses
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro called the attack “a major offense against the United States” and vowed to pursue every legal penalty. The Justice Department said its Capital Case Committee will review whether to seek the death penalty. Defense counsel has not commented beyond a not-guilty plea.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether the Justice Department has formally decided to seek the death penalty, noting only a pending review. The identities of the two additional service members Lakanwal allegedly tried to kill remain undisclosed. A trial date has not been scheduled, and the defense strategy is unknown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Allahu Akbar!” — alleged utterance by Lakanwal, police report.
- “Sarah Beckstrom was 20 years old, serving her country in the nation's capital, when Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly drove across the country and executed her in cold blood steps from the White House,” — U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
- “That is not just a crime, it is a major offense against the United States. We will pursue every penalty the law permits as we seek justice for Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe.” — U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
- “Lakanwal worked with the American government, including the CIA, “as a member of a partner force” in Kandahar, Afghanistan, CIA Director John Ratcliffe has said.” — CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
What’s Next
Lakanwal is scheduled for a court appearance on September 16, 2025. The Capital Case Committee’s decision on the death penalty will shape the upcoming trial strategy.
