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Afghan National Faces New Federal Charges, Potential Death Penalty in National Guard Shooting
Washington D.C. – Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan national accused of the fatal shooting of one National Guard member and the serious injury of another in Washington D.C., is now facing new federal charges that could lead to the death penalty.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced that Lakanwal has been charged with transporting a firearm in interstate commerce with the intent to commit an offense punishable by more than one year in prison, and with transporting a stolen firearm in interstate commerce. The charges stem from the November 26th attack that killed 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and left 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe seriously injured.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated, “The transfer of this case from Superior Court to District Court ensures that we can undertake the serious, deliberate and weighty analysis required to determine if the death penalty is appropriate here.”
She added, “Sarah Beckstrom was just 20 years old when she was killed, and her parents are now forced to endure the holiday season without their daughter. Andrew Wolfe, by the grace of God, survived but has a long road ahead in his recovery.”
Lakanwal remains charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence under D.C. Code violations.
An FBI special agent’s affidavit, released this week, revealed that the .357 Smith & Wesson revolver allegedly used in the shooting was stolen from a Seattle home in May 2023. The individual who provided the weapon to Lakanwal on November 14th in Bellingham informed investigators that they believed Lakanwal intended to use it for personal protection while working as a rideshare driver.
Further details from the affidavit indicate that Lakanwal purchased a box of .357 caliber ammunition the day after obtaining the revolver. Approximately two hours after this purchase, on November 15, 2025, Lakanwal searched “Washington, D.C.” on Google Maps, followed by a search for “The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20500” the next day. The shooting occurred approximately two blocks from the White House.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has previously stated that the Department of Justice intends to seek the death penalty against Lakanwal.