WASHINGTON (AP) — A man accused of ambushing two National Guard members near the White House has been charged with federal firearms offenses following a tragic shooting incident on November 26. One of the service members, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, died from her injuries, while the second member, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, is recovering from serious wounds.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, faces charges of transporting a firearm in interstate commerce intended for use in a criminal act, as well as possession of a stolen firearm. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized the serious nature of the charges, noting the impact on Beckstrom's family during the holiday season.
In addition to firearms-related charges, Lakanwal has been charged with first-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm, amidst ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Notably, he was shot during the encounter and has pled not guilty.
The incident took place while Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of a law enforcement surge to the capital, following heightened security measures in the wake of recent events.
Lakanwal, who migrated to the United States in 2021 under the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome, has a complicated history as an Afghan national who had previously worked with U.S. forces, including the CIA. The gravity of the situation raises urgent questions about the safety of service members and how the U.S. navigates the resettlement of allies.
With Lakanwal's case now handed over to the District Court, historically known for its lack of a death penalty, the legal proceedings ahead will be closely watched as they unfold amid ongoing conversations about veteran safety in conflict situations.}
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, faces charges of transporting a firearm in interstate commerce intended for use in a criminal act, as well as possession of a stolen firearm. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro emphasized the serious nature of the charges, noting the impact on Beckstrom's family during the holiday season.
In addition to firearms-related charges, Lakanwal has been charged with first-degree murder and illegal possession of a firearm, amidst ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. Notably, he was shot during the encounter and has pled not guilty.
The incident took place while Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of a law enforcement surge to the capital, following heightened security measures in the wake of recent events.
Lakanwal, who migrated to the United States in 2021 under the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome, has a complicated history as an Afghan national who had previously worked with U.S. forces, including the CIA. The gravity of the situation raises urgent questions about the safety of service members and how the U.S. navigates the resettlement of allies.
With Lakanwal's case now handed over to the District Court, historically known for its lack of a death penalty, the legal proceedings ahead will be closely watched as they unfold amid ongoing conversations about veteran safety in conflict situations.}
