Suspect in DC National Guard Shooting Shouted ‘Allahu Akbar’ While Firing Gun, Formally Charged with Murder
Rahmanullah Lakanwal
Two National Guard members were shot near the White House last Wednesday in a shocking incident reported by The Gateway Pundit.
The suspect, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the United States under the administration of President Joe Biden in 2021.
According to a newly released criminal affidavit reported by the New York Post, Lakanwal allegedly shouted “Allahu Akbar” while firing his weapon. On Tuesday, he was formally charged with murder and other crimes.
Per Fox News, Lakanwal faces:
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Two counts of assault with intent to kill
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One count of murder
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One count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence
Lakanwal attended his hearing at Washington D.C. Superior Court remotely from a hospital bed, lying down with his eyes closed and appearing to be in pain. His defense attorney stated that he pleads not guilty to all charges.
NEW: Court documents reveal that Afghan Rahmanullah Lakanwal was screaming, “Allahu Akbar!” while shooting at National Guardsmen Beckstrom and Wolfe pic.twitter.com/wel5ldQMDv
— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) December 2, 2025
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia noted that a D.C. Superior Court judge found probable cause that Lakanwal committed first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The judge ordered that he be held without bond pending a preliminary hearing.
Lakanwal, who was injured during the shooting, remains under guard while receiving medical treatment at a local hospital.
Court documents detail that Lakanwal drove from his hometown in Washington State to Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, November 26, he arrived around 2:13 p.m. at 17th and I Streets, NW, near the Farragut West Metro Station, and opened fire on two National Guard members without provocation. Fellow guardsmen at the scene quickly engaged and subdued him.
Tragically, 20-year-old Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia National Guard succumbed to her injuries. The second victim, 24-year-old Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition but has begun responding to medical treatment.
The full affidavit is available courtesy of Court House News.
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