Suspect in D.C. National Guard shooting now facing 5 more federal charges

The suspect in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. is now facing five additional federal charges. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, faces charges including murder, assault with intent to kill, and possession of firearms in a violent crime. The new charges follow the November 2023 attack that left one Guard member dead and another critically injured.

The individual accused of shooting two members of the National Guard in Washington, D.C. last month now faces five additional federal charges. These charges have been outlined in a criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is now facing the following charges:

• First-degree premeditated murder while armed
• Assault with intent to kill while armed
• Possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense
• Transporting or receiving firearms in interstate or foreign commerce with intent to commit a felony
• Transporting or shipping a stolen firearm in interstate or foreign commerce

These new charges are in addition to previous accusations filed in the Washington, D.C., Superior Court. Lakanwal was already facing charges related to murder, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges and is scheduled for a court appearance on January 2.

The Attack on National Guard Members

On November 26, 2023, Lakanwal allegedly carried out an ambush-style attack, targeting two National Guard members who had been deployed in the nation's capital. The victims were Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, both of whom were serving with the West Virginia National Guard. Beckstrom, aged 20, was shot in the head and tragically died from her injuries the following day. Wolfe, aged 24, was also struck in the head and sustained critical injuries. However, by early December, Wolfe showed signs of improvement, breathing independently and standing with assistance. His medical team reported on December 12 that he had made extraordinary progress and was ready to transition from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation.

Lakanwals Injuries and Legal Proceedings

During the attack, Lakanwal was shot and wounded by another National Guard member. He was subsequently apprehended by the U.S. Secret Service and taken to a hospital. Initially placed on a ventilator, Lakanwal appeared virtually for his first court hearing while still in the hospital. His condition is being closely monitored as the legal proceedings move forward.

The Firearm Used in the Shooting

According to the criminal complaint, the firearm used in the shooting was a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. This weapon had been legally purchased in Washington state by another individual who passed away in 2023. Authorities allege that Lakanwal tried to purchase several other firearms, including an AR-15 and a Draco (a compact, stockless AK-47-style pistol), claiming that he needed the weapons for protection while working as a rideshare driver. Despite his initial attempts, Lakanwal managed to acquire the revolver on November 14, 2023. The revolver had been stolen from its original owners home months after the owner's death.

The complaint also notes that Washington state law mandates that all firearm sales, including private transfers, must be conducted through a Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL), which requires completing ATF Form 4473 and undergoing a background check. Authorities further revealed that Lakanwal purchased ammunition for the revolver the day after acquiring it. Following this, he reportedly searched for the location of the White House, entering "Washington, D.C." and the address of 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, D.C. 20500 into Google Maps.

Investigations and Background

Additional details from the criminal complaint indicate that Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program, which was created during the Biden administration to assist Afghan nationals fleeing the Taliban. Law enforcement sources revealed that Lakanwal, along with his family, initially relocated from Afghanistan's Khost province to Kabul before being transferred to the U.S. A spokesperson from the CIA confirmed that Lakanwal had previously worked with U.S. government agencies, including the CIA, during the war in Afghanistan. He also reportedly led a team within the former Afghan national armed forces, working directly with U.S. and British forces.

What's Next?

As investigations continue, law enforcement agencies are piecing together Lakanwal's motivations and possible connections to others. The case raises important issues not only about the violence involved but also about the complexities surrounding firearms, immigration policies, and the handling of Afghan refugees in the post-Taliban era. More updates on this developing story are expected as the legal process unfolds.

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• D.C. National Guard shooting suspect facing 5 additional federal charges