Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan man, has pleaded not guilty to charges related to the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. The incident, which occurred near the White House, resulted in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critical injuries to Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24.
Lakanwal appeared in court virtually from his hospital bed, where he is recovering from multiple gunshot wounds sustained during the incident. He was seen squirming in apparent pain with his eyes closed, communicating through a translator that he was experiencing pain and unable to open his eyes.
Prosecutors allege that Lakanwal shouted “Allahu Akbar” as he opened fire. Judge Renee Raymond ordered Lakanwal to be held without bond, citing the “sheer terror” of the incident and the belief that he traveled across the country with a specific purpose in mind. The judge stated that “No condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community”.
Prior to the shooting, concerns had been raised about Lakanwal's deteriorating mental state. He had been struggling to maintain employment and exhibited erratic behavior, including periods of isolation and sudden long drives. A community advocate had even reached out to a refugee organization expressing fears that Lakanwal was becoming suicidal.
Emails obtained by The Associated Press reveal growing unease about Lakanwal's conduct leading up to the attack. However, those who knew him were stunned when they learned he was the suspect. One community member who worked with Afghan families in Washington state recalled seeing him playing with his young sons and struggled to reconcile that image with the act of violence.
The Victims
- Sarah Beckstrom: A 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard Specialist who tragically lost her life in the shooting.
- Andrew Wolfe: A 24-year-old Staff Sgt. who remains in critical condition.
The Investigation
The FBI is currently investigating the case. The previously unreported concerns about Lakanwal offer insight into his struggles in the United States and the events leading up to the shooting.