Rahmanullah Lakanwal, accused of shooting two National Guardsmen near the White House, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges on Tuesday (December 2) in D.C. Superior Court. Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, appeared virtually from a hospital bed, having been shot during the incident. The shooting resulted in the death of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and left Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, in critical condition.
Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond ordered Lakanwal to be held without bond, citing the seriousness of the charges and potential risk to the community. Lakanwal faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Prosecutors claim that Lakanwal, who had been living in Bellingham, Washington, with his family, traveled across the country with a specific intent. During the shooting, he allegedly shouted "Allahu Akbar" as he opened fire.
Lakanwal's attorney argued for his release, noting his lack of a prior criminal record and the delay in charging him. However, the prosecution emphasized the gravity of the charges and Lakanwal's lack of ties to the D.C. area.
Lakanwal, who came to the U.S. in 2021 after working with U.S. forces in Afghanistan, is scheduled to appear in court again on January 14. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump announced an increase in National Guard troops in the city following the incident.