Afghan National Accused of Killing National Guard Soldier Pleads Not Guilty as Shocking New Details Emerge
The Afghan national accused of gunning down one National Guard soldier and critically injuring another just steps from the White House has now pleaded not guilty to every charge against him, according to newly released reports.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, appeared virtually from his hospital bed on Tuesday as prosecutors outlined the case against him. The Wall Street Journal confirmed his plea following the hearing.
BREAKING: Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal has pleaded NOT GUILTY for the shooting of the national guardmen. pic.twitter.com/EvtxPTM4iI
— Libs of TikTok (@libsoftiktok) December 2, 2025
Lakanwal is now facing an array of charges — including murder, assault, and multiple firearms violations — all stemming from last Wednesday’s attack in Washington, D.C. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot while carrying out routine patrol duties mere blocks from the White House. Beckstrom, a West Virginia native and member of the 863rd Military Police Company, succumbed to her injuries the next day.
🚨 Dressed in a black puffer coat with a revolver in hand, a picture has emerged showing the moment an Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal ambushed US National Guards on the streets of Washington DC.
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) November 28, 2025
One soldier, Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died from her injuries. Another… pic.twitter.com/9vCNwdCp6s
According to the Washington Post, the charges were formally filed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office. Lakanwal, described as a 29-year-old Afghan national who previously worked with CIA-backed forces during the Afghanistan War, is accused of driving cross-country from his home in Washington state to commit the attack — a detail reported by the Wall Street Journal that further underscores the premeditated nature of the shooting.
Court filings paint a harrowing picture of the assault.
“He approached a group of National Guard members near the White House and fired several rounds with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver while screaming ‘Allahu Akbar!’ according to court documents filed Tuesday.
“Other troops fired back, shooting Lakanwal, who fell to the ground and was trying to reload the weapon before another member jumped on him, according to the documents,” the report continued.
Federal officials have yet to confirm a motive, but the case is already intensifying scrutiny of the Biden-era refugee policies that allowed unvetted Afghan nationals into the United States — policies President Donald Trump has repeatedly condemned and pledged to reform during his current administration.
As the investigation unfolds, Beckstrom is being remembered for her service, dedication, and sacrifice. The nation now waits for answers while the legal process moves forward.