A man accused of ambushing and shooting two National Guard troops stationed near the White House has pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, made his initial court appearance via video link from a hospital bed on Tuesday, following the violent incident on 26 November.
Details of the Fatal Ambush
The shooting resulted in the death of 20-year-old Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and left 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe wounded. Both soldiers were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of a federal law-enforcement surge in Washington DC, an operation initiated under the Trump administration. According to a police report filed in court, another guard member witnessed the attack, hearing gunshots and seeing the two victims fall. The assailant was reportedly screaming "Allahu Akbar!" before chasing and firing at a third service member.
Authorities described the incident as an ambush-style attack. Prosecutor Ariel Dean labelled it a "shocking crime," suggesting Lakanwal had moved through the city before approaching the troops. The magistrate judge ordered him detained without bond, citing the "sheer terror" caused by his actions. Lakanwal was eventually subdued by other troops as he attempted to reload his firearm.
Suspect's Background and Political Fallout
Officials revealed that Rahmanullah Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration programme for resettling Afghans after the US withdrawal. However, the group #AfghanEvac stated his asylum application was ultimately approved under the preceding Trump administration. This detail has fuelled a heated political debate.
Former President Donald Trump characterised the shooting as a "terrorist attack" and criticised current immigration policies. He has reiterated his intent to restrict migration from certain nations and expel millions of immigrants. The case has become a focal point in broader discussions about the use of military personnel for domestic law enforcement and immigration policy.
Legal Proceedings and Ongoing Investigation
During a brief hearing in Washington DC's Superior Court, Lakanwal's attorney entered the not guilty plea on his behalf. Judge Renee Raymond ordered him held without bond, and the case is scheduled to return to court on 14 January. Authorities continue to investigate a possible motive for the attack, which represents a rare instance of National Guard members being shot on US soil.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions surrounding national security, immigration, and the role of the military within the United States. As the legal process unfolds, the deaths of Specialist Beckstrom and the injury of Staff Sergeant Wolfe have drawn attention to the risks faced by service members even in domestic deployments.
