Suspect in National Guard Shooting Pleads Not Guilty
On December 2, 2025, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, pleaded not guilty to charges stemming from a shooting near the White House that resulted in the death of one National Guard member and the injury of another. Lakanwal appeared remotely from his hospital bed during the court hearing.
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred on November 26, 2025, near the Farragut West metro station in Washington, D.C., approximately two blocks from the White House. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed, and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, sustained critical injuries. Both were members of the West Virginia National Guard deployed to the capital as part of a federal law enforcement surge.
According to a police affidavit, Lakanwal allegedly fired at the soldiers while shouting “Allahu Akbar.” He was subdued by other troops as he attempted to reload his weapon. Lakanwal was also injured during the confrontation and has been hospitalized since the incident.
Court Proceedings
During the court appearance, Lakanwal’s attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Lakanwal, speaking through an interpreter, indicated he was in significant pain and unable to open his eyes. D.C. Superior Court Judge Renee Raymond ordered him held without bond, citing the severity of the charges and the impact of the attack.
Background of the Accused
Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to resettle Afghans who had assisted U.S. forces. He had previously served with NDS-03, an elite unit operated by the CIA in Afghanistan. Lakanwal applied for asylum in 2024, which was granted in April 2025. Prior to the incident, he resided in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children.
Political and Public Response
The shooting has intensified political debates over immigration policies and national security. President Donald Trump labeled the incident a “terrorist attack” and criticized the previous administration’s resettlement initiatives. In response, the administration has halted all asylum decisions and suspended visa issuance for individuals traveling on Afghan passports. Additionally, 500 more National Guard troops have been deployed to Washington, D.C., as part of broader efforts to combat crime and support mass deportation initiatives.
Community members and Lakanwal’s mosque have condemned the violence, emphasizing his lack of integration within their community. The families of the victims have been invited to the White House, and Specialist Beckstrom has been honored for her dedicated service.
