Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, has pleaded not guilty to 17 charges, including murder, related to the fatal shooting of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard, and the wounding of another guard member in Washington, D.C.
On Tuesday, Lakanwal appeared before U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta for a status hearing. The Department of Justice has filed a new indictment that includes six additional charges that could lead to the death penalty. The prosecution is pursuing these charges under the Trump administration's directive, although a timeline for the proceedings was not provided during the hearing.
The attack occurred the day before Thanksgiving while Beckstrom and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were on duty in a downtown area near the White House. Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries, while Wolfe, 25, survived but sustained severe wounds.
The updated indictment replaces an earlier set of nine charges filed in December, to which Lakanwal had also entered a not guilty plea. His current charges include:
- Murder of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom
- Attempted murder of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe
- Attempted murder of two other individuals assisting law enforcement
- Transporting a firearm and ammunition with intent to commit a felony
- Using a firearm during a violent crime
- Assault with intent to kill
During the hearing, Lakanwal, who appeared in a wheelchair and looked noticeably thinner than in previous court appearances, communicated through an interpreter and was accompanied by U.S. Marshals.
Lakanwal was granted asylum in the United States last year after fleeing Afghanistan following the Taliban's takeover. The incident has prompted discussions around immigration policies, particularly concerning Afghan nationals.
The next court hearing is scheduled for September 16 at 9 a.m. Eastern Time.
Reported by HarborBeat based on Maryland Matters (source).
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