Afghan Asylum Seeker Pleads Not Guilty in National Guard Shooting

Prosecutors reviewing charges that could lead to death penalty for 2025 attack near White House

Feb. 5, 2026 at 7:15am

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Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan, pleaded not guilty in federal court on Wednesday to charges including first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and illegal possession of a firearm. The shooting near the White House in November 2025 left one National Guard member dead and another severely wounded.

Why it matters

The case has raised concerns about the vetting process for Afghan refugees and the potential for mental health issues among those who have experienced trauma. It also highlights the ongoing security challenges facing the nation's capital and the role of the National Guard in providing support.

The details

Prosecutors say Lakanwal shot the two National Guard members, Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, in the back of the head with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. A National Guard major returned fire, and another Guard officer subdued Lakanwal. Wolfe is still recovering and will require skull reconstruction surgery. Investigators believe Lakanwal may have been experiencing financial and mental health issues at the time of the attack.

  • The shooting occurred on November 26, 2025 near the White House in Washington, D.C.
  • Spc. Beckstrom died of her injuries on November 26, 2025, the day before Thanksgiving.
  • Lakanwal pleaded not guilty in federal court on February 5, 2026.
  • Lakanwal is due back in court in early March 2026.

The players

Rahmanullah Lakanwal

A 29-year-old Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan and is accused of the shooting near the White House.

Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom

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

Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe

A National Guard member who was severely wounded in the shooting and is still recovering.

Pam Bondi

The Attorney General who vowed to seek the death penalty against Lakanwal.

Melody Wolfe

The mother of Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.

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What they’re saying

“We will do everything in our power to seek the death penalty against that monster who should not have been in our country.”

— Pam Bondi, Attorney General (Fox News)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, Grocery employee (Instagram)

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 the ongoing security challenges facing the nation's capital and the role of the National Guard in providing support, as well as concerns about the vetting process for Afghan refugees and the potential for mental health issues among those who have experienced trauma.