DC Guard shooting suspect pleads not guilty, held without bond in D.C. Superior Court
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan national accused of ambushing two National Guard members near Farragut Square — killing Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounding SSgt. Andrew Wolfe — pleaded not guilty in D.C. Superior Court during a remote hospital‑bed appearance and was ordered held without bond by Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond. Prosecutors have charged him with first‑degree murder and multiple firearm and assault counts, called the government’s case “exceedingly strong,” said more charges may follow and signaled they could seek the death penalty while investigators probe his travel from Bellingham, Washington and his background after arriving in the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome.
📌 Key Facts
- On Nov. 26, 2025, near the Farragut West/Farragut Square Metro area in Washington, D.C., a man armed with a .357-caliber Smith & Wesson revolver opened fire on a group of National Guard members, firing an estimated 10–15 rounds; a Guard member returned fire, the suspect was struck and then physically subdued (other troops and a witness also intervened).
- Two West Virginia National Guard members were wounded: Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who died the next day; and Air Force SSgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, who was critically wounded, later woke from an induced coma, showed signs of recovery (moving toes, giving thumbs-up, breathing on his own) and was transferred to inpatient rehabilitation after acute care.
- The suspect, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal (an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. under Operation Allies Welcome in 2021 and later applied for and was granted asylum), is a Bellingham, Washington resident who lived with his wife and five children; reporting also documents prolonged mental-health struggles, social isolation and economic instability in recent years.
- Prosecutors say Lakanwal drove cross‑country to Washington, surveilled the Guard contingent briefly before the attack, allegedly shouted 'Allahu Akbar' during the ambush and chased troops while attempting to reload, details they say show premeditation; surveillance images and charging documents were presented at the initial hearing.
- Lakanwal was federally charged (including first‑degree murder after Beckstrom’s death, multiple counts of assault with intent to kill and counts for possession of a firearm during a crime of violence), pleaded not guilty from a hospital bed, and was ordered held without bond by Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond with the next court appearance set for mid‑January; DOJ officials say additional charges are possible.
- The Department of Justice, including Attorney General Pam Bondi, indicated an intent to seek the death penalty, and the FBI — calling the probe a 'sprawling international terrorism investigation' — has executed warrants, seized devices and searched locations in Washington state and elsewhere while investigating possible radicalization and networks (including queries about Tablighi Jamaat links).
- The shooting intensified an existing national debate over the D.C. National Guard deployment: President Trump ordered roughly 500 additional Guard troops to Washington after the attack, bringing forces in the city from about 2,000 to roughly 2,600; a federal judge (Jia Cobb) recently ruled the deployment likely unlawful (stayed to allow appeal), while the White House defended the mission and D.C. officials criticized it as an overreach of federal authority.
- The attack prompted vigils, statewide honors and a full military funeral for Spc. Beckstrom in West Virginia; senior officials (including the President, DHS, DOJ and state leaders) issued public statements, invited the families to the White House, and pledged continued investigations and support for the victims’ families and the Guard community.
📊 Relevant Data
Over half of Afghan evacuees resettled under Operation Allies Welcome reported experiencing mental health challenges, with three-quarters of those not receiving professional help.
2023 Survey of Afghans Resettled Under Operation Allies Welcome: Summary of Findings — Administration for Children and Families (ACF)
More than 5,000 Afghans brought to the US after the fall of Kabul have been flagged for national security concerns since 2021.
Over 5K Afghan migrants flagged on 'national security' grounds since 2021, document reveals — New York Post
In 2019-2020, 96.8% of homicide suspects in Washington DC were Black, despite Black residents comprising 46% of the population.
Washington, DC Gun Violence Problem Analysis Summary Report — Criminal Justice Coordinating Council (CJCC) for the District of Columbia
Approximately 76,000 Afghans were evacuated and admitted to the US under Operation Allies Welcome since 2021.
Afghan Immigrants in the United States — Migration Policy Institute
In 2024, the racial composition of the District of Columbia was approximately 43% Black, 39% White, 5% other races, 4% Asian, with Hispanic or Latino comprising about 11% across races.
District of Columbia Population 2025 — World Population Review
Among the documented cases of violence by Afghan evacuees in the US since 2021, one involved untreated PTSD from combat service, while three involved ideological radicalization with allegiance to jihadist organizations.
Different Paths to Violence: The Afghan Evacuee Cases Driving 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 (60)
Wounded National Guardsman is making 'extraordinary progress,' can breathe on his own: doctor
New information:
- MedStar neurosurgeon Dr. Jeffrey Mai says Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is now breathing on his own, can stand with assistance, and will transition from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation.
- Wolfe’s parents called his progress “miraculous” and credited medical care and widespread prayers.
- Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was laid to rest with full military honors on Dec. 9 at West Virginia National Cemetery; WV Gov. Patrick Morrisey called the ceremony “incredibly moving,” and a chaplain’s remarks were quoted.
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.
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