BREAKING: An Afghan refugee, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged with murder following the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last week. The incident occurred on October 11, 2023, just steps from the White House, and resulted in the tragic death of 20-year-old Specialist Sarah Beckstrom.
Newly filed court documents reveal that Lakanwal, 29, is facing multiple charges including murder, assault, and firearms offenses. The shooting transpired while Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were patrolling the area. Both soldiers were critically injured; Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries shortly after.
Eyewitness accounts describe Lakanwal dressed in a black puffer coat, armed with a revolver, as he ambushed the soldiers. In a statement, President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstrom’s death, expressing condolences to her family and fellow service members. She was part of the West Virginia National Guard’s 863rd Military Police Company and had enlisted in June 2023.
The alleged shooter, Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 after aiding the CIA during the Afghanistan War. This case raises serious concerns about the vetting process for Afghan evacuees following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan under the Biden administration.
The charges were officially filed by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro‘s office, amplifying the urgency around this developing story. The Director of the Army National Guard released a heartfelt statement honoring Beckstrom’s commitment: “Sarah served with professionalism and quiet resolve,” emphasizing her dedication to duty.
As law enforcement continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident, all eyes are on the forthcoming court proceedings. The National Guard community is mourning the loss of one of its own, and many are calling for a thorough examination of security protocols for those who served alongside U.S. forces.
Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds. This tragedy highlights the profound impact of conflict and the ongoing challenges faced by veterans and their communities.
