Domestic Terrorism and Violent Crime

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national accused in the Nov. 26 ambush that killed 20‑year‑old Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and seriously injured 24‑year‑old Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe near a Metro station a few blocks from the White House, has been charged in federal court with transporting a firearm in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony and transporting a stolen firearm — charges prosecutors say permit consideration of the death penalty because D.C. Superior Court has no capital punishment. Lakanwal, who U.S. officials say worked with U.S. partner forces in Kandahar and entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, still faces local D.C. charges including first‑degree murder and has pleaded not guilty.