Rahmanullah Lakanwal Case

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.