Man Accused of Killing National Guard Member Faces Death Penalty

Justice Department to seek capital punishment for Afghan national charged in shooting near White House

Feb. 4, 2026 at 10:55am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Justice Department has announced plans to seek the death penalty for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting and killing a National Guard member and critically injuring another near the White House in November 2026. Lakanwal, an Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA, has been charged with first-degree murder and other counts related to the attack.

Why it matters

The case highlights the challenges of balancing national security concerns with the legal rights of immigrants, as well as ongoing debates around the use of the death penalty. The shooting also raised questions about security protocols for National Guard members patrolling sensitive areas of the nation's capital.

The details

According to court documents, Lakanwal traveled from Washington state to Washington, D.C. in late November 2026 before allegedly ambushing two National Guard members, shooting them both in the head. One of the victims, Sarah Beckstrom, died from her injuries the next day, while the other, Andrew Wolfe, remains in recovery. Prosecutors say Lakanwal had been given a stolen revolver and purchased ammunition shortly before the attack, and had searched for the White House address online. Lakanwal, who came to the U.S. in 2021 after working with the CIA in Afghanistan, faces a total of nine charges, including first-degree murder.

  • In late November 2026, Lakanwal traveled from Washington state to Washington, D.C.
  • On the day of the shooting, Lakanwal was given a stolen revolver and purchased ammunition.
  • Two hours after obtaining the firearm, Lakanwal searched 'Washington, DC' on Google maps.
  • The next day, Lakanwal searched for the address of the White House.
  • Ten days later, Lakanwal allegedly shot the two National Guard members two blocks from the White House.

The players

Rahmanullah Lakanwal

The Afghan national accused of shooting and killing a National Guard member and critically injuring another near the White House in November 2026. Lakanwal previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan before coming to the U.S. in 2021.

Sarah Beckstrom

The U.S. Army Specialist who was shot and killed by Lakanwal near the White House.

Andrew Wolfe

The Air Force Staff Sergeant who was critically injured in the shooting by Lakanwal near the White House.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

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

Lakanwal's next hearing in the case is scheduled for early May.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of balancing national security concerns with the legal rights of immigrants, as well as ongoing debates around the use of the death penalty. The shooting also raised questions about security protocols for National Guard members patrolling sensitive areas of the nation's capital.