Afghan National Pleads Not Guilty In D.C. National Guard Shooting; Prosecutors May Seek Death Penalty

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, pleaded not guilty Wednesday in federal court for the November shooting that killed West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically injured U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe in Washington, D.C.

Two National Guard soldiers were shot Wednesday blocks from the White House in Washington, D.C. Alleged gunman Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been charged with first-degree murder.(AP Newsroom)

Court Appearance And Charges

Lakanwal appeared before U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta wearing an orange jail jumpsuit and a white prayer shawl. He arrived in a wheelchair; officials have said he was shot during the incident and spent weeks hospitalized afterward.

National Guard are seen after reports of two National Guard soldiers shot near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.

He originally faced charges under the D.C. Code, including 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. Federal prosecutors later added counts alleging he transported a firearm in interstate commerce with intent to commit an offense punishable by more than one year in prison and that he transported a stolen firearm in interstate commerce.

ATF and Secret Service Police officers are seen after reports of two National Guard soldiers shot near the White House in Washington, Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025.

Death Penalty Consideration

Department of Justice prosecutors told Judge Mehta they have not ruled out seeking the death penalty, though the charges currently filed are not eligible for capital punishment. They said they are reviewing all potential charges and are "pursuing those options," including the possibility of a superseding indictment that could add death-eligible counts. Judge Mehta asked prosecutors to clarify their intentions promptly; prosecutors said they would aim to provide an update by the next status conference scheduled for May 6.

Victims And Recovery

Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from gunshot wounds. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was critically injured and remains hospitalized; a doctor has described his condition as making "extraordinary progress" and said he is now breathing on his own.

Background And Official Comments

Officials have said Lakanwal previously worked with U.S. government entities in Afghanistan, including the CIA, according to comments attributed to John Ratcliffe. When federal charges were announced, the U.S. Attorney's Office said transferring the case to U.S. District Court "ensures that we can undertake the serious, deliberate and weighty analysis required to determine if the death penalty is appropriate here." The office also expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.

Note: This is a developing story. Prosecutors indicated they will provide further updates as they decide whether to pursue additional, potentially capital-eligible charges.