SECURITY — June 17, 2026
Afghan National Pleads Not Guilty in Washington Shooting That Killed National Guard Member
Rahmanullah Lakanwal faces the death penalty for killing 20-year-old National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom with a stolen firearm brought from Washington state.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Ariana News — corroborated by Khaama Press — 2 min read
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, pleaded not guilty in U.S. federal court to first-degree murder and firearms charges in connection with a November 2025 shooting near the White House.
The incident killed National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and wounded another service member, Andrew Wolf. Lakanwal, reported to be 29 or 30 years old, faces possible capital punishment as prosecutors seek the death penalty. Court records show he traveled from Washington state with a .357 Magnum revolver stolen in Seattle in 2023.
Lakanwal has been described as a former Afghan commando or CIA contractor who resettled in the United States after 2021. He appeared in court in a wheelchair after sustaining injuries during the incident. The case has prompted debate over screening procedures for Afghans admitted following the 2021 withdrawal.
The wounded service member later recovered. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for September 16, 2026.
Read the original reporting at Ariana News →
Reliability assessment
Two independent outlets corroborate the core event: the November 2025 D.C. shooting, Lakanwal's identity and charges, not-guilty plea, and death penalty review. Details are attributed to court documents and prosecutors with named victim and suspect information.
The source language mixes facts with framing or advocacy wording. Khaama Press: "fueled renewed debate", "isolated criminal cases have prompted calls for stricter background checks" — these phrases introduce opinionated framing and imply policy failure without presenting counter-evidence, mixing factual reporting with advocacy undertones.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- Lakanwal pleaded not guilty to murder and related charges in US federal court on or around June 2026.
- The shooting killed Sarah Beckstrom (West Virginia National Guard) and wounded Andrew Wolf in Washington, D.C. in November 2025.
- Prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty.
- Lakanwal used a stolen firearm brought from Washington state.
- Lakanwal has a background as a former Afghan security force member or contractor resettled in the US.
Where reports differ
- Reported age of Lakanwal differs (30 vs 29).
- Prior role described as CIA contractor (Ariana) versus former commando (Khaama).
- Additional details such as exact shooting date (Nov 26), victim's holiday volunteering, and Wolf's recovery and public appearance appear only in Khaama Press.
Filed by 2 outlets
Ariana News
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Khaama Press
Framed
Framed
Filed under
Security — Rahmanullah Lakanwal, National Guard shooting, Washington D.C., death penalty, Afghan refugee
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