Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who shot two US National Guard members near the White House on November 26, reportedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” while firing and attempting to reload, according to newly filed court documents. The 29-year-old has now been charged with murder, assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a violent crime.
The attack killed 20-year-old US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and left Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, critically injured. Prosecutors described the shooting as an ambush-style assault carried out just a day before Thanksgiving.
Lakanwal appeared virtually for his first court hearing from a hospital bed, claiming through an interpreter that he was in severe pain and unable to open his eyes. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Investigators revealed that Lakanwal previously worked in the CIA-backed Zero Units in Afghanistan and entered the US under the Operation Allies Welcome resettlement program in 2021. Authorities are still probing the motive behind the shooting, which officials said appeared “targeted.”
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro noted that Lakanwal will be moved to a secure correctional medical facility once stable. Federal terrorism charges remain possible, and Attorney General Pam Bondi will decide whether to seek the death penalty.
Former President Donald Trump called the shooting a “terrorist attack” and criticised the Biden administration’s Afghan resettlement policies.
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