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DC shooting suspect faces first-degree murder charge
(MENAFN) The suspect in a deadly shooting targeting two U.S. National Guard members in Washington, D.C. is now facing first-degree murder charges following the death of one victim, according to reports on Friday.
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, told media outlets, "There are certainly many more charges to come, but we are upgrading the initial charges of assault to murder in the first degree." The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. local time on Wednesday near the Farragut West Metro station.
The victims, Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, both from West Virginia, were reportedly ambushed. President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstrom’s death on Thursday, saying, “She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now.” He added regarding Wolfe, “The other young man is fighting for his life.”
The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly drove from Washington state to the capital and opened fire “without provocation, ambush style,” using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, according to Pirro. Lakanwal was initially charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill and criminal possession of a weapon.
Authorities also searched his residence in Bellingham, Washington, uncovering “numerous electronic devices,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. The FBI is investigating Lakanwal’s prior “relationship in Afghanistan with partner forces.” Reports indicate he worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan before the Taliban took control in August 2021.
Lakanwal, originally from Afghanistan, arrived in the U.S. in 2021, applied for asylum in 2024, and was granted it in April. He reportedly faced financial difficulties due to an expired work permit. Many former Afghan allies sought to relocate to the U.S. after 2021, fearing persecution under Taliban rule.
The National Guard has been stationed in D.C. since August as part of a program initiated during the Trump administration aimed at increasing street safety. Some cities resisted the deployment, citing concerns about sending military forces onto U.S. soil. Currently, nearly 2,200 Guard members remain in the capital.
Jeanine Pirro, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, told media outlets, "There are certainly many more charges to come, but we are upgrading the initial charges of assault to murder in the first degree." The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. local time on Wednesday near the Farragut West Metro station.
The victims, Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, both from West Virginia, were reportedly ambushed. President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstrom’s death on Thursday, saying, “She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now.” He added regarding Wolfe, “The other young man is fighting for his life.”
The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly drove from Washington state to the capital and opened fire “without provocation, ambush style,” using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, according to Pirro. Lakanwal was initially charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill and criminal possession of a weapon.
Authorities also searched his residence in Bellingham, Washington, uncovering “numerous electronic devices,” FBI Director Kash Patel said. The FBI is investigating Lakanwal’s prior “relationship in Afghanistan with partner forces.” Reports indicate he worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan before the Taliban took control in August 2021.
Lakanwal, originally from Afghanistan, arrived in the U.S. in 2021, applied for asylum in 2024, and was granted it in April. He reportedly faced financial difficulties due to an expired work permit. Many former Afghan allies sought to relocate to the U.S. after 2021, fearing persecution under Taliban rule.
The National Guard has been stationed in D.C. since August as part of a program initiated during the Trump administration aimed at increasing street safety. Some cities resisted the deployment, citing concerns about sending military forces onto U.S. soil. Currently, nearly 2,200 Guard members remain in the capital.
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