WASHINGTON, D.C. (LOOTPRESS) — The man accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House last week appeared virtually in court Tuesday from his hospital bed, pleading not guilty to multiple felony charges, including premeditated murder.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who came to the United States in 2021 after assisting U.S. forces overseas, is accused of opening fire on Guardsmen Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe during an incident in downtown Washington. Beckstrom died from her injuries a day later, while Wolfe remains in critical condition.
Lakanwal himself was shot by authorities during the confrontation and has been hospitalized since Wednesday.
Bedridden Defendant Appears via Video
During the hearing in D.C. Superior Court, Lakanwal appeared on screen lying in a hospital bed, nearly his entire body covered by a blanket. He shifted restlessly as the magistrate judge began the proceedings.
When asked to identify himself, he mumbled his name through squinted eyes, telling the court through an interpreter that he could not open them.
“I have pain,” he said repeatedly.
Despite his condition, a court-appointed attorney entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf to all charges.
Facing First-Degree Murder Charge
Prosecutors say Lakanwal will face at least one count of first-degree murder, with D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirrostating the case will be pursued to the fullest extent. Additional charges include assault with intent to kill and other violent offenses connected to the shooting.
Background on the Suspect
Court filings indicate Lakanwal had been living with his family in Washington state for the past several years after resettling in the U.S. in 2021. He arrived as part of evacuation and resettlement efforts following the U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The case remains under investigation as Wolfe continues to fight for his life.
