Afghan national charged in deadly National Guard shooting near White House

Rahmanullah Lakanwal faces first-degree murder and other charges in November 2025 attack that killed one soldier and wounded another.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 11:47am

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A 29-year-old Afghan national who was previously affiliated with a CIA-linked counterterrorism unit in Afghanistan is set to be arraigned on charges including first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill for a shooting attack near the White House in November 2025 that left one National Guard soldier dead and another severely wounded. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was evacuated to the U.S. in 2021 and had his asylum application approved in 2025, allegedly shot the two Guard members in the back of the head before being subdued by other soldiers.

Why it matters

The shooting raised concerns about security near the White House and the vetting process for Afghan evacuees, many of whom were granted asylum in the U.S. after the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan in 2021. It also highlighted the ongoing role of the National Guard in providing security and support in the nation's capital.

The details

Court documents state that Lakanwal used a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver to shoot Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe in the back of the head on Nov. 26, 2025. Beckstrom died of her injuries that day, while Wolfe survived but suffered a gunshot wound to the head and is still recovering. A National Guard major returned fire and another officer subdued Lakanwal at the scene.

  • The shooting occurred on November 26, 2025, the day before Thanksgiving.
  • Spc. Beckstrom died of her injuries on November 26, 2025.
  • Sgt. Wolfe remains in recovery and is scheduled to undergo cranioplasty surgery in March 2026.

The players

Rahmanullah Lakanwal

A 29-year-old Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan and was evacuated to the U.S. in 2021, with his asylum application approved in 2025 under the Trump administration.

Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom

A 20-year-old National Guard soldier who was killed in the shooting.

Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe

A National Guard soldier who was severely wounded in the shooting, suffering a gunshot wound to the head.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Rahmanullah Lakanwal out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about the vetting process for Afghan evacuees granted asylum in the U.S., as well as the ongoing role of the National Guard in providing security and support in the nation's capital.