An Afghan national accused of fatally shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last November entered a not guilty plea in federal court this week, as prosecutors indicated they continue to evaluate whether to pursue capital punishment in the case.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, stands accused of shooting West Virginia National Guard Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, in an incident that occurred blocks from the White House on November 26. Specialist Beckstrom died from her injuries, while Staff Sergeant Wolfe sustained critical injuries and remains hospitalized.
During Wednesday’s proceedings before Judge Amit Mehta, Department of Justice prosecutors confirmed that the death penalty has not been ruled out, despite the current charges against Lakanwal not being death penalty-eligible offenses. The prosecution team informed the court that they are actively considering all potential charges and “pursuing those options,” which could include filing a superseding indictment with charges that would make capital punishment a possibility.
Judge Mehta indicated he would need clarification on the government’s intentions in the near future. Prosecutors committed to providing an answer by the next status conference, scheduled for May 6.
The case has drawn significant attention given the location of the attack and the victims’ service status. Previous reports have indicated that Lakanwal had worked with United States government entities in Afghanistan, including the Central Intelligence Agency, though the nature and duration of that work remains under examination.
The shooting occurred in the nation’s capital during the Thanksgiving holiday period, raising questions about security protocols and the vetting processes for Afghan nationals brought to the United States following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
Lakanwal currently faces charges including first-degree murder in connection with Specialist Beckstrom’s death. The investigation into the incident continues as prosecutors weigh their options regarding additional charges.
The case represents one of several high-profile incidents involving Afghan evacuees that have prompted renewed scrutiny of the screening procedures implemented during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. Thousands of Afghan nationals were brought to the United States as part of evacuation efforts, with many having served alongside American forces or worked with U.S. government agencies during the two-decade conflict.
Staff Sergeant Wolfe’s ongoing hospitalization underscores the severity of the attack and the lasting impact on the victims and their families. The National Guard community has rallied around both service members, though the loss of Specialist Beckstrom has been deeply felt throughout the military community.
As the legal proceedings move forward, the court will await the prosecution’s decision on whether to pursue death penalty-eligible charges, a determination that could significantly alter the trajectory and stakes of the trial.
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