BREAKING: Afghan Refugee Accused of Shooting 2 National Guard Troops in Washington Charged with Murder
An Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been charged with murder, assault, and firearms offenses after allegedly shooting two U.S. National Guard members near the White House.The attack left Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, dead and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, critically injured. Lakanwal,a 29-year-old afghan refugee who had worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War,entered the U.S. in 2021 amid the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.The charges were filed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office. The director of the Army National Guard honored Beckstrom’s service, highlighting her professionalism and dedication.
The Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House last week is now facing a murder charge, according to newly filed court documents.
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot Wednesday afternoon while patrolling the area.
🚨 Dressed in a black puffer coat with a revolver in hand, a picture has emerged showing the moment an Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal ambushed US National Guards on the streets of Washington DC.
One soldier, Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died from her injuries. Another… pic.twitter.com/9vCNwdCp6s
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) November 28, 2025
Both were taken to local hospitals in critical condition.
President Donald Trump announced the next day that Beckstrom had died.
The Washington Post reported Tuesday that the alleged gunman, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged with murder, assault, and firearms offenses.
Breaking news: The man suspected of shooting two National Guard members who were patrolling D.C. last week, killing one of them, has been charged with murder, assault and firearms offenses, according to court documents.https://t.co/A7zP2GmDUK
— The Washington Post (@washingtonpost) December 2, 2025
Lakanwal is an Afghan refugee who previously worked with the CIA during the Afghanistan War.
He entered the country in 2021 alongside thousands of unvetted Afghan nationals after the Biden administration’s chaotic and deadly withdrawal from the country.
According to the Post, the charges were filed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office.
Last week, the Director of the Army National Guard released a statement honoring Beckstrom’s service.
“Sarah served with the West Virginia National Guard’s 863rd Military Police Company,” the statement said.
The director added that Beckstrom enlisted in June 2023 and “answered every call with professionalism and quiet resolve.”
Her service in Washington, the statement noted, “reflects the very best of our force.”
“Our thoughts are with her loved ones and her unit during this difficult time,” the director said.
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