Afghan Suspect Now Faces First Degree Murder Charge After National Guard Shooting Turns Fatal
The case surrounding the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House has taken a grave turn, as authorities confirmed that the suspect will now face a first-degree murder charge. US lawyer for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced that the upgraded charge follows the death of 20-year-old US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who succumbed to her injuries after the attack.
Pirro explained during an interview on Friday morning that the original charges of assault would no longer be sufficient in light of the tragedy. She said investigators expect additional charges to be filed as the case develops, making it clear that prosecutors intend to pursue the matter with full severity. The shooting, which has shaken military communities and sparked national concern, unfolded on Wednesday near a busy area close to the White House.
Beckstrom, originally from Webster Springs in West Virginia, had been serving with the National Guard and was on duty at the time of the attack. Her death has prompted an outpouring of grief from family, colleagues and military officials who described her as a dedicated young service member with a promising future. The second victim, 24 year old US Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition. Doctors continue to monitor him closely as he fights for survival.
Federal authorities have identified the suspected shooter as 29 year old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who previously worked with US forces and the CIA in Afghanistan before relocating to the United States in 2021. His background has drawn attention because of the unusual circumstances surrounding the case. Lakanwal’s past cooperation with American agencies had once placed him in a trusted role, and many are now struggling to reconcile that history with the allegations he faces.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi had already stated on Thursday that she would seek the death penalty if either of the victims died as a result of the attack. With Beckstrom’s passing, that possibility is now firmly on the table. Bondi emphasised that crimes targeting service members carry particular weight, especially when the victims were performing duties tied to national security.
Investigators are still trying to determine the motive behind the shooting. Authorities have not released information about potential triggers, personal disputes or ideological factors. For now, the focus remains on piecing together the sequence of events and understanding how the situation escalated so suddenly.
The tragedy has renewed conversations about security measures for military personnel stationed near high profile government buildings. It has also sparked a wider debate about the background checks and monitoring of individuals who have previously worked with US agencies abroad. Some officials argue that while most partners remain reliable, cases like this highlight the need for continued vigilance.
As the legal process moves forward, Beckstrom’s family and colleagues are preparing to mourn a life cut short. Her death has cast a sombre tone across the National Guard community, while Wolfe’s condition continues to be watched with hope. Prosecutors say they intend to pursue the full extent of the law to ensure accountability for the attack.
