Federal prosecutors have formally brought murder charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan refugee accused of killing one National Guard soldier and critically wounding another in a shooting incident near the White House last Wednesday. The attack has triggered significant policy responses from the Trump administration regarding asylum procedures.
According to detailed criminal complaints, the violent encounter occurred approximately 2:15 p.m. when Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, who were on patrol duty blocks from the White House. Security camera footage and eyewitness accounts indicate Lakanwal shouted “Allahu Akbar” during the assault and was attempting to reload his weapon when a Guard supervisor intervened, engaging him in a gunfight that ultimately left the suspect wounded.
Both victims sustained gunshot wounds to the head and were rushed to emergency medical facilities. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries the following day, with an official autopsy confirming homicide as the manner of death. Wolfe remains hospitalized in critical condition, though West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey described his status as “positive” after the soldier showed responsiveness to medical prompts.
Lakanwal, who appeared virtually from a hospital bed for arraignment, entered a plea of not guilty to charges including first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill. A judge deemed the prosecution’s case “exceedingly strong” and ordered the suspect held without bond.
Background investigations reveal Lakanwal arrived in the United States in 2021 after collaborating with CIA operations in Afghanistan. His asylum request was granted earlier this year following concerns that Taliban forces would target individuals with U.S. affiliations. Officials confirmed he resided in Bellingham, Washington with his wife and five children.
Recent documentation indicates concerning behavioral changes, with a social worker’s emails from last year noting Lakanwal had become increasingly withdrawn and isolated for weeks, suggesting potential mental health challenges.
In response to the incident, the Trump administration has temporarily suspended all asylum decisions and initiated a comprehensive review of Afghan refugee vetting processes, highlighting national security implications and raising questions about refugee integration protocols.