Suspect Pleads Not Guilty Following Deadly DC Shooting

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder and assault in connection with the fatal shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, DC.

Lakanwal appeared remotely for his initial court appearance from a hospital bed on Tuesday, still recovering from injuries sustained during the incident. Wearing a hospital gown and appearing visibly exhausted, he did not speak directly, with his attorney entering the plea on his behalf.

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Details of the Shooting

The shooting took place on Monday, December 1, 2025, targeting two National Guard members deployed in the capital as part of an anti-crime effort under the Trump administration.

• Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old Army Specialist, was fatally shot.
• Andrew Wolfe, a 24-year-old Air Force Staff Sergeant, was wounded but survived.

Authorities reported that the attack caused “sheer terror” in Washington, DC. Prosecutors allege that Lakanwal traveled from Washington state to the capital with the intent to carry out the attack. Witnesses said he shouted “Allahu akbar!” (“God is greatest”) while opening fire.

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Background on Rahmanullah Lakanwal

Lakanwal, who previously served with a CIA-trained unit in Afghanistan during the US occupation, was evacuated to the United States following the collapse of the US-backed government in 2021.

US media reports suggest that he had become increasingly despondent and isolated since arriving in the US, with associates noting concerns about his mental health and potential PTSD.

Shawn VanDiver, president of Afghan Evac, a nonprofit supporting Afghan evacuees, criticized the political response to the shooting:

“They [the Trump administration] seem to be using this horrific attack as a political cudgel to carry out the heinous immigration plans that they had anyway. Afghans didn’t perpetrate this atrocity. One man did, and it sounds like he was struggling mightily with PTSD.”

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Court Ruling and Detention

A judge in Washington, DC, ordered Lakanwal to be held without bond, citing the gravity of the attack and its impact on public safety. The court emphasized the national shock caused by the shooting and the need to ensure he does not pose a further threat while the case proceeds.

The case has already sparked political debate, with some Republican lawmakers calling for tighter immigration restrictions in the wake of the attack. Others have emphasized the need to consider Lakanwal’s mental health and war-related trauma when evaluating his actions.

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Reactions and National Impact

The incident has reverberated across the US, prompting memorials at the shooting site for the victims and nationwide discussion about:

• Immigration policies regarding Afghan evacuees.
• Support systems for veterans and evacuees experiencing PTSD.
• Security protocols for National Guard deployments in urban areas.

A makeshift memorial for Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe appeared near the attack site in Washington, DC, highlighting the personal toll of the tragedy.

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Conclusion

The case of Rahmanullah Lakanwal underscores the complex intersection of immigration, mental health, and national security in the United States. While he faces serious first-degree murder charges, legal experts and advocacy groups emphasize the importance of fair trial rights and careful consideration of his mental state, including the potential effects of PTSD from wartime service.

As the judicial process continues, the nation watches closely, balancing calls for justice for the victims with broader discussions on immigration policy, veteran care, and public safety.