Afghan National Accused of DC Shooting Pleads Not Guilty; Death Penalty Considered

An Afghan national accused of conducting a deadly ambush near the White House pleaded not guilty to all charges in a 17-count federal indictment. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 30, formerly employed by the CIA in Afghanistan, faces accusations of killing West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Guardsman Andrew Wolfe last November.

The Department of Justice unsealed the indictment against Lakanwal, making the case eligible for the death penalty due to charges including first-degree murder. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro stated, ‘Sarah Beckstrom was serving her country in the nation’s capital when Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly executed her in cold blood. This is a major offense against the United States.’

The incident reportedly involved a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, identified as the weapon used to shoot two National Guard members near the White House on November 26, 2025. At Tuesday’s arraignment, Lakanwal appeared in an orange jumpsuit and skullcap, recovering from injuries linked to the event.

Prosecutors informed U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta that the death penalty review process will commence soon, with an ultimate decision by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Lakanwal faces charges of first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The next status hearing is scheduled for September 16.

Court documents reveal Lakanwal allegedly traveled from Bellingham, Washington, to the District of Columbia with a stolen firearm. Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot in the head, and two nearby National Guard members subdued Lakanwal at the scene.

Investigators recovered the revolver, reported stolen in Seattle in 2023. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Wolfe continues to recover. Bonny Chu provides updates for Fox News Digital.