DC Guard shooting suspect pleads not guilty, held without bond in D.C. Superior Court
At a remote appearance from a hospital bed in D.C. Superior Court, Rahmanullah Lakanwal pleaded not guilty to an upgraded slate of charges—including first‑degree murder, assault with intent to kill and firearms offenses—after prosecutors say he ambushed two National Guard members near Farragut Square, killing Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounding SSgt. Andrew Wolfe. Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond ordered him held without bond pending further proceedings as federal prosecutors signal more charges and a potential death‑penalty pursuit while the FBI investigates his background, travel from Washington state and any possible ties or motive.
📌 Key Facts
- On Nov. 26 near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C., a man ambushed a group of National Guard members, firing a .357 revolver (charging documents estimate 10–15 rounds); one Guard member returned fire and the suspect was subdued—two West Virginia Guards were shot: Spc. Sarah Beckstrom (20) later died and SSgt. Andrew Wolfe (24) was critically wounded.
- The suspect is identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in Sept. 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, lived in Bellingham, Washington with his wife and five children, applied for asylum in Dec. 2024 and was granted asylum in Apr. 2025; reporting shows he struggled with employment, isolation and mental‑health issues in the years before the attack.
- Lakanwal was charged in D.C. Superior Court with first‑degree murder, multiple counts of assault with intent to kill, and counts of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence; he pleaded not guilty remotely from a hospital bed, and Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond ordered him held without bond (next court date set for mid‑January).
- Federal prosecutors (U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro and Attorney General Pam Bondi) said additional charges are likely and the Department of Justice intends to seek the death penalty; the magistrate judge described the government’s case as “exceedingly strong.”
- The FBI is treating the case as a sprawling investigation, executing dozens of legal processes, seizing devices and searching properties (including in Washington state) to determine whether the suspect had contacts or was aided or radicalized by U.S.‑based networks; DHS officials have said investigators believe he may have been radicalized after arriving in the United States.
- Surveillance and charging documents show the suspect surveilled the Guard contingent, approached and opened fire, allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar,” chased another Guard member and bent over a wounded person; witnesses and Guard members helped subdue him (one Guardsman returned fire; others reportedly stabbed or jumped on him), but authorities say motive remains under investigation.
- The ambush intensified political and operational responses: President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered/requested 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington; the Guard deployment (roughly 2,000–2,600 troops at various points) has been legally contested—U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled the deployment unlawful but stayed her order to allow an appeal—and the administration has appealed that ruling.
- Victim updates and honors: Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was laid to rest with full military honors on Dec. 9; SSgt. Andrew Wolfe has shown steady medical improvement (waking from an induced coma, giving thumbs‑up and moving toes, breathing on his own, and transferring from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation) but remains in recovery with a long rehabilitation ahead.
📊 Relevant Data
Between 2010 and 2020, the Black population in Washington, D.C. decreased from 50.03% to 40.91% of the total population, while the White population increased from 34.81% to 37.96%, the Hispanic or Latino population from 9.10% to 11.26%, and the Asian population from 3.46% to 4.81%.
Demographics of Washington, D.C. — Wikipedia
There have been four documented cases of violence or radicalization among Afghan evacuees in the US since 2021, including three cases involving ideological radicalization with explicit allegiance to jihadist organizations like ISIS-K and the Taliban, and one case of non-ideological violence attributed to untreated combat trauma and acculturation difficulties.
Different Paths to Violence: The Afghan Evacuee Cases Driving U.S. Policy — Durand Dispatch
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
SEN TOM COTTON: Alleged Afghan attack on Guardsmen was preventable. We must do better next time
"Sen. Tom Cotton’s opinion piece uses the D.C. National Guard shooting (the Rahmanullah Lakanwal case) to argue the Biden-era Afghanistan withdrawal and rushed vetting created preventable security risks and calls for much stricter vetting and policy changes."
📰 Sources (59)
National Guardsman Who Was Shot in D.C. Making ‘Extraordinary Progress,’ Doctor Says
New information:
- Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe has been moved from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation at MedStar Washington Hospital Center.
- Wolfe can now breathe on his own and stand with assistance; his neurosurgeon called this "extraordinary progress" and "important milestones."
- Wolfe’s parents issued a statement asking for continued prayers and noting a "long and tough rehabilitation" ahead.
- Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was laid to rest Tuesday at the West Virginia National Cemetery after a private service.
- Approximately 2,600 National Guard members are now deployed in Washington, up from about 2,000 on the day of the shooting.
National Guard member wounded in D.C. shooting making "extraordinary progress"
New information:
- Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is now breathing on his own and can stand with assistance, according to his neurosurgeon.
- Wolfe is ready to transition from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation based on recent improvements.
- Update comes 16 days after he was airlifted to MedStar Washington Hospital Center with a critical gunshot wound to the head.
- Family statement calls his progress “miraculous” and thanks medical staff; rehab location is being withheld at the family’s request.
West Virginia National Guard member killed in DC is shooting laid to rest
New information:
- Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was laid to rest with full military honors at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
- Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a statement describing the ceremony as 'deeply moving.'
- Update on SSgt. Andrew Wolfe: remains hospitalized in Washington and is expected to be in acute care for several more weeks.
- Background details reaffirmed: ambush occurred Nov. 26 near a D.C. subway station three blocks from the White House; Beckstrom died the next day; the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged with murder and pleaded not guilty.
Trump gives update on wounded National Guard member 2 weeks after DC ambush shooting: ‘He got up from bed’
New information:
- President Trump said SSgt. Andrew Wolfe “moved his finger” days after the attack and has now “got up from bed,” though he has not spoken yet.
- Trump stated he has been in close contact with Wolfe’s family and invited Wolfe’s parents to the Oval Office.
- He praised the medical teams caring for Wolfe, noting Wolfe remains under intensive care following a head wound.
Wounded National Guardsman beginning to 'look more like himself,' remains in acute care: West Virginia gov
New information:
- Gov. Patrick Morrisey says Andrew Wolfe’s head wound is healing and he is starting to 'look more like himself.'
- Family expects Wolfe to remain in acute care for another 2–3 weeks.
- AG Pam Bondi says doctors found no blood clots after an angiogram and Wolfe is now able to open both eyes.
- A prayer vigil for Wolfe was held at Musselman High School in Berkeley County, WV; the event also honored slain Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom.
National Guard member is "slowly healing" after D.C. shooting, governor says
New information:
- Gov. Patrick Morrisey says SSgt. Andrew Wolfe’s head wound is “slowly healing” and he is beginning to “look more like himself.”
- Family expects Wolfe to remain in acute care for 2–3 more weeks.
- Wolfe gave a thumbs-up response and moved his toes earlier in the week, described as a positive sign by the governor.
Bondi describes wounded National Guardsman as a 'miracle,' says 'he's able to open both eyes'
New information:
- AG Pam Bondi says wounded Air Force SSgt. Andrew Wolfe is now able to open both eyes.
- Bondi reports doctors performed an angiogram on Wolfe and found no blood clots, calling his condition a 'miracle.'
- Bondi states the Department of Justice intends to seek the death penalty against suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
Man charged in National Guard shooting pleads not guilty in court appearance from hospital bed
New information:
- Police report says the suspect shouted 'Allahu Akbar!' during the attack and chased another Guard member before being detained while attempting to reload.
- Judge Renee Raymond cited the 'sheer terror' caused, called the government’s case 'exceedingly strong,' and said it appears the suspect traveled cross‑country with a specific purpose.
- Prosecutor said the suspect 'traversed the city' before approaching the troops; he is a Washington state resident.
- U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said he will be moved to a facility that can address medical needs when stable, could face additional federal charges, and that AG Pam Bondi will decide whether to seek the death penalty.
- Victim details reiterated with ages: Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, killed; SSgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, wounded.
- Background detail: Entered U.S. in 2021 via Operation Allies Welcome; asylum approved under the Trump administration, per #AfghanEvac.
National Guard shooting suspect shouted 'Allahu Akbar,' was struck by return fire and subdued by witness: feds
New information:
- Prosecutors say the suspect shouted 'Allahu Akbar' during the attack.
- A National Guard supervisor returned fire and struck the suspect, according to court documents.
- A witness 'jumped on' the suspect as he attempted to reload his .357-caliber revolver, helping subdue him.
- Prosecutors allege the suspect drove cross-country to D.C. with the revolver and surveilled the Guard contingent for about one minute before opening fire.
- The magistrate judge presiding was Renee Raymond; the defendant appeared remotely from a hospital bed.
- Attorney General Pam Bondi reiterated DOJ intends to seek the death penalty.
FBI probes possible ties of National Guard shooter to shadowy sect, a ‘catalyst’ for jihad
New information:
- FBI and DHS are probing whether Tablighi Jamaat networks in the U.S. played a role in radicalizing or assisting Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
- Family‑relayed phone call details: Lakanwal told his wife he was 'with Tablighis' and 'doing Tabligh' shortly before disappearing; his brother shared these details with the FBI.
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said officials believe Lakanwal was radicalized in the U.S. via connections in his home community and state.
New details on National Guard shooting revealed at suspect's first court hearing
New information:
- At the suspect’s first court hearing, court documents included newly released surveillance images.
- The images appear to show the suspect standing near a busy D.C. Metro station before turning a corner and opening fire.
- Prosecutors presented additional context about the sequence of events immediately preceding the shooting.
Patel blasts Biden's 'emblematic failure' after Afghan national charged in Guard shooting
New information:
- FBI Director Kash Patel called the case a 'sprawling international terrorism investigation' and said the FBI has issued dozens of legal processes, seized dozens of devices, searched two houses, and interviewed many associates.
- Patel said the Bureau will pursue 'anyone and everyone' the suspect communicated with and 'leave no stone unturned.'
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said vetting will be overhauled to require country-of-origin biometric and criminal-history cross-referencing, expand social media screening, and require annual check-ins.
National Guard shooting suspect charged with murder, held without bond
New information:
- Charging documents detail that Lakanwal allegedly yelled 'Allahu Akbar!' as he opened fire and was shot by another Guard member while reloading.
- Additional count noted: possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
- Security footage described showing Lakanwal running toward the victims, attempting to chase another Guard member, and bending down next to the wounded after the shooting.
- Magistrate judge at the initial appearance said the government's case was 'exceedingly strong.'
- Next court appearance scheduled for mid-January.
DC National Guard shooting suspect formally charged
New information:
- Lakanwal was formally charged in D.C. Superior Court with two counts of assault with intent to kill, one count of murder, and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
- He pleaded not guilty and appeared remotely from a hospital bed; the judge noted he appeared in pain.
- Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond ordered him held without bond pending further proceedings.
- The article reiterates DOJ’s intent to seek the death penalty, while noting the victims’ statuses: Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was killed and SSgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition.
National Guard member in DC shooting shows 'positive sign' West Virginia governor says
New information:
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey says injured SSgt. Andrew Wolfe showed a 'positive sign,' giving a thumbs up and wiggling his toes; Wolfe remains in serious condition.
- Vigil remembrances detail Spc. Sarah Beckstrom’s service and recent deployment to D.C. with the West Virginia National Guard.
- A refugee resettlement volunteer who knew the suspect’s family told NPR they saw no signs of radicalization and believed the suspect was in a mental health crisis.
- Authorities say the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, drove from Washington state to D.C. before the attack and remains in custody on a first-degree murder charge.
Wounded National Guard member responded to nurse and wiggled toes, governor says
New information:
- Wounded Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in serious condition but gave a thumbs-up to a nurse and moved his toes, which officials called a positive sign.
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey ordered flags to remain at half-staff until further notice to honor Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom.
- Approximately 170 West Virginia National Guard members remain deployed in Washington, D.C., on a voluntary basis, per the governor.
- Maj. Gen. Jim Seward said Guard members on scene acted professionally and in line with their training and that the Guard community is grieving.
- Gov. Morrisey said he spoke with President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi, expressed confidence in a complete investigation, and labeled the killing a “terrible act of terrorism.”
- Officials reiterated the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was shot by another Guard member, taken into custody, and remains hospitalized.
National Guardsman injured in shooting has woken up from induced coma, West Virginia governor says
New information:
- West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Monday that wounded National Guardsman SSgt. Andrew Wolfe has woken up from an induced coma.
- This is the first official update indicating Wolfe has regained consciousness since last week’s D.C. ambush.
What we know about the vetting process of the National Guard shooting suspect
New information:
- CBS reports, citing U.S. officials, that Rahmanullah Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. in September 2021 under humanitarian parole as part of Operation Allies Welcome.
- CBS reports Lakanwal applied for asylum with USCIS in December 2024.
- A DHS official told CBS the asylum vetting process includes biometrics collection, social media review, FBI background checks and other screenings.
- Emails obtained by CBS indicate Lakanwal’s mental health deteriorated in recent years and he became isolated from his family.
- The article references a 2022 DHS OIG report noting data gaps in vetting during the Afghan evacuation.
WV gov gives update on wounded Guardsman, talks future of DC mission as general says troops are grieving
New information:
- Gov. Patrick Morrisey said SSgt. Andrew Wolfe was upgraded from critical to serious condition and responded with a thumbs-up to a nurse’s request.
- Maj. Gen. James Seward and Morrisey said 170 West Virginia National Guard members remain active in Washington, D.C., and all service on the mission is volunteer.
- Morrisey noted West Virginia has not been asked to deploy additional troops beyond current rotations and that he is in contact with President Trump and AG Pam Bondi about the mission’s future.
Trump invites families of two National Guard members shot in DC to White House, plans to honor soldiers
New information:
- President Trump says he spoke with the families of Sarah Beckstrom (deceased) and Andrew Wolfe (critically wounded).
- Trump invited the families to visit the White House to honor both soldiers, stating he intends to recognize them there.
- Trump provided an update relayed from the family that Wolfe is 'fighting for his life' and asked the public to pray for him.
- West Virginia held local vigils, including one at Webster County High School, where Gov. Patrick Morrisey praised Beckstrom.
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