Prosecutors in Washington, D.C., have charged Rahmanullah Lakanwal with murder following a shooting that left one National Guard member dead and another critically injured. The incident occurred last Wednesday, claiming the life of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and injuring 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe. Both soldiers were part of a National Guard assignment in the capital, deployed from West Virginia.
Details of the Shooting Incident
According to a criminal complaint, the shooting unfolded around 2:15 p.m. near an underground train station. Lakanwal allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” as he opened fire while reloading after being shot himself. Eyewitness accounts indicate he was engaged by another Guard member following the initial gunfire, which was heard by a supervisor nearby.
Victims of the Attack
- Sarah Beckstrom: A 20-year-old National Guard member who died from a gunshot wound to the back of her head.
- Andrew Wolfe: A 24-year-old Guard member who remains hospitalized in critical condition but is reportedly responsive.
Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries the following day, with an autopsy ruling her death a homicide.
Legal Action and Background of the Suspect
Lakanwal, who immigrated to the United States from Afghanistan in 2021, is facing multiple charges including first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill. During a virtual court appearance from his hospital bed, he pleaded not guilty. A judge has deemed the evidence against him “exceedingly strong” and ordered him to be held without bond.
Prior to the shooting, Lakanwal had worked with the CIA and had received asylum status in 2024. He lived in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children. Reports indicate that he experienced social withdrawal and mental health issues leading up to the tragic event.
Response from Authorities
The Trump administration responded to the shooting by pausing all asylum decisions and reviewing cases of Afghan refugees in the U.S. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has publicly requested prayers for Wolfe’s recovery as he battles to survive his serious injuries.
The investigation continues, with details from security footage playing a crucial role in the prosecution’s case against Lakanwal.
