Justice Department Seeks Death Penalty for National Guard Shooting Suspect

The Justice Department announced its intention to seek the death penalty for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is accused of shooting two National Guard members, one fatally, near the White House in November. Lakanwal entered a plea of not guilty to nine charges, including first-degree murder, during his initial federal court appearance.

Prosecutors informed Judge Amit Mehta that they are pursuing "death-eligible charges" against Lakanwal.

The Incident

Court documents state that Lakanwal traveled from Washington state to Washington D.C. in late November. He allegedly shot two officers in the head with a revolver. Another National Guard member, after hearing the shots, used a service weapon to shoot and detain Lakanwal.

Sarah Beckstrom, one of the National Guard members, died the day after being shot in the back of the head. The other member, Andrew Wolfe, is currently recovering.

Suspect's Background

Lakanwal previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan for over ten years before the U.S. military withdrew from the country. He arrived in the U.S. in 2021.

Alleged Preparations

According to court records, an unnamed individual provided Lakanwal with a stolen pistol after he stated he needed a firearm for protection while driving for Uber and Lyft. Investigators reported that Lakanwal had been banned by Uber and was unemployed for approximately two months prior to the shooting. Lakanwal had reportedly requested a firearm that could hold a 30-round magazine and questioned receiving a revolver with "only five rounds."

Prosecutors further allege that on the day he received the firearm, Lakanwal purchased bullets from a sporting goods store. Two hours later, he allegedly searched "Washington, DC" on Google Maps, and the following day, searched for the White House address. Ten days later, he allegedly shot the two National Guard members two blocks from the White House.

Lakanwal's next court hearing is scheduled for early May.