WASHINGTON – The man accused of shooting two National Guard members, killing one, made a virtual appearance in D.C. Superior Court on Tuesday to face a charge of first-degree murder.
Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was also shot, could be seen lying in a hospital bed in one video. Officials allege that Lakanwal shot dead the soldier. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, last week while on patrol near the White House as part of his deployment to the nation’s capital.
Lakanwal, 29, is also charged with assault with intent to kill while armed; possession of a firearm; and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence in addition to murder.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges. A judge ordered Lakanwal detained without bail.
Court documents say Lakawal shouted “Allahu akbar!” (“God is great” in Arabic) while firing and that he was subdued while appearing to be reloading.
Both guard members, who were serving in the West Virginia National Guard, were shot in the head last Wednesday. Beckstrom died from his injuries, President Donald Trump told troops on a Thanksgiving Day call.
Wolfe remains in serious condition. But West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Monday he had shown signs of improvement after giving nurses the all-clear and being able to move their toes.
Authorities have not yet identified a motive for the shooting.
A relative of Lakanwal said he arrived in the United States in September 2021 after serving in the Afghan military for 10 years alongside U.S. Special Forces troops. He lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children, the relative added.
The CIA confirmed that Lakanwal worked for the US government as a member of an associated force in Kandahar. His service ended in 2021 following the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan.
