Afghan Migrant Pleads Not Guilty In DC Shooting Of National Guard Soldiers
The Afghan migrant accused of carrying out a deadly shooting in Washington, D.C. last week that left one National Guard soldier dead and another critically injured pleaded not guilty on Tuesday.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, appeared virtually from his hospital bed where he is recovering from gunshot wounds sustained during the incident. He is facing multiple charges, including assault with intent to kill while armed, unlawful possession of a firearm, use of a firearm during a violent crime, and murder.
Lakanwal is accused of fatally shooting 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom and seriously injuring 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, both of whom had just been sworn in less than 24 hours before the attack. Beckstrom, who had volunteered to work the Thanksgiving holiday so fellow soldiers could spend time with family, succumbed to her injuries the next day. Wolfe remains in serious condition but is reportedly showing signs of movement and responsiveness.
Court documents reveal that Lakanwal shouted “Allahu akbar!” during the assault and attempted to reload his weapon before being restrained. A judge denied him bond.
During a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, President Donald Trump shared that he had spoken with Wolfe’s parents following the shooting.
“They said he didn’t have a chance,” Trump said. “But I spoke to his mother—‘Sir, he’s going to live.’ No doctor thought that. She was so positive, it was incredible. And possibly right. If he lives, it would be a miracle.”
President Trump says he spoke with the parents of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who is still hospitalized and in serious condition:
“They said he didn’t have a chance. I will tell you, the one who said he is going to live is his mother. I spoke to his mother, ‘Sir, he is going to… pic.twitter.com/sWqnw24nlp
— Mary Margaret Olohan (@MaryMargOlohan) December 2, 2025
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under President Joe Biden’s “Operation Allies Welcome,” the controversial relocation effort that brought approximately 77,000 Afghan nationals into the country during the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Department of Homeland Security granted Lakanwal asylum earlier this year based on his reported ties to U.S. agencies in Afghanistan, including work for the CIA, according to agency director John Ratcliffe.
The shooting has reignited concerns over vetting failures and refugee admissions. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and other Trump administration officials have pointed to Lakanwal’s case as justification for the administration’s recent freeze on asylum applications and halt of visa processing from Afghanistan and 18 other high-risk nations.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed Wolfe’s condition remains serious but noted hopeful signs. “We continue to pray for Andrew’s recovery, and we honor Sarah’s life and sacrifice,” he said.
The case has further fueled outrage over Biden-era immigration policies and led to renewed calls from Republican leaders for stricter screening of foreign nationals, especially those entering under humanitarian or military-cooperation programs.