DC Guard shooting suspect stares down death penalty in first court appearance

The Afghan national accused of carrying out a deadly ambush-style shooting targeting National Guard members near the White House pleaded not guilty Tuesday to all charges in a 17-count federal superseding indictment.

Just hours earlier, the Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed the indictment against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 30, who previously worked for the CIA in Afghanistan. Lakanwal is accused of killing West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and severely wounding Guardsman Andrew Wolfe in last November’s attack.

Prosecutors said the charges, which include first-degree murder, make the case eligible for the death penalty.

"Sarah Beckstrom was 20 years old, serving her country in the nation's capital, when Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly drove across the country and executed her in cold blood steps from the White House," U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said. "That is not just a crime, it is a major offense against the United States. We will pursue every penalty the law permits as we seek justice for Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe."

AFGHAN NATIONAL ACCUSED IN DEADLY DC NATIONAL GUARD SHOOTING PLEADS NOT GUILTY, PROSECUTORS SEEK DEATH PENALTY

During Tuesday’s arraignment, the suspect was seen wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and skullcap and remained in a wheelchair, as he appears to recover from injuries prosecutors say he sustained during the incident.

DOJ prosecutors told U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta that they will begin the death penalty review process shortly. 

The final decision on whether to pursue capital punishment will be made by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

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.

Mehta set the next status hearing for Sept. 16.

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According to court documents, Lakanwal allegedly drove his Toyota Prius from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to the District of Columbia while in possession of a stolen firearm. 

Prosecutors said he opened fire on West Virginia National Guard members, striking Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head. Two nearby National Guard members then subdued Lakanwal at the scene, officials said. 

Investigators reportedly recovered a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver that had been reported stolen in Seattle in 2023.

Officials said Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Wolfe continues to recover from his injuries.