WASHINGTON (AP) — Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, announced Friday that charges against a man who authorities say shot two National Guard members have been upgraded to first-degree murder.
The announcement comes following the death of one of the soldiers, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who was just 20 years old. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition after the tragic event that unfolded on Wednesday.
President Donald Trump confirmed the information about Beckstrom's demise during a press briefing on Thursday, expressing his condolences.
According to Pirro, the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, now faces serious charges including one count of first-degree murder, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.
Pirro described Lakanwal's actions as an “ambush-style” attack. She indicated that, at this stage, the motives behind his actions remain uncertain.
People familiar with Lakanwal stated he was affiliated with a CIA-backed Afghan Army unit prior to his immigration to the U.S.
Lakanwal, 29, had previously worked in specialized roles within military operations in Afghanistan. According to a family member, he was originally from Kandahar and had achieved the rank of team leader.
In 2021, Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. through the Operation Allies Welcome program designed to aid Afghan allies after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. His asylum application was eventually approved during the Trump administration.
Lakanwal had been living in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children, according to previous landlords.
