WASHINGTON (AP) — Charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House, have been upgraded to first-degree murder following the death of one of the soldiers, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, announced the new charges on Friday as investigators continued to explore the motive behind the incident.
The shooting occurred on Wednesday afternoon, leaving Specialist Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, in critical condition at a local hospital. President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstrom's death on Thursday evening, calling the event a “terrorist attack” and criticizing the Biden administration for allowing Afghan nationals who worked with U.S. forces during the Afghanistan War to enter the country. Following the shooting, the Trump administration announced a halt to all asylum decisions and suspended the issuance of visas for individuals traveling on Afghan passports.
Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who allegedly worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War, faces charges including one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. He had been living in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children since entering the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to resettle Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Asylum was granted to Lakanwal during the Trump administration, despite his application being made during the Biden administration.
The national response to the shooting has been heightened, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visiting National Guard troops in Washington to lead prayers for both Beckstrom and Wolfe. As per West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, Wolfe remains in “very critical condition,” and as a mark of respect, flags in West Virginia will be flown at half-staff in honor of Beckstrom.
According to witnesses and neighbors, Lakanwal was described as a quiet and polite individual who struggled to find work and had “disappeared” about two weeks prior to the shooting. His past included a brief stint as an independent contractor for Amazon Flex, delivering packages. His cousin, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, revealed that Lakanwal had served in a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit known for its controversial operations, suggesting complexities surrounding his background.
In light of the shooting, Trump has called for a reinvestigation of all Afghan refugees who entered the U.S. under the Biden administration, who he claims were inadequately vetted. Advocates for the refugees have pushed back against such claims, asserting that the vetting processes were thorough and necessary for ensuring the safety of those at risk of Taliban reprisals.
While the motive for the shooting remains unclear, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro has indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming. The tragedy reflects broader concerns regarding national security and immigration policy, especially regarding individuals arriving from conflict zones. Beckstrom, a passionate young soldier who volunteered to serve as part of a mission aimed at enhancing the safety of the nation's capital, has been remembered for her leadership and dedication.
This incident underscores the complexities of integrating Afghan allies into the U.S. and the ongoing challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers in the current political climate. As investigations continue, the fallen service member's legacy and the implications of the shooting resonate deeply within the community and beyond.
