Suspect In National Guard Shootings Could Face Death Penalty: U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced Thursday that the Afghan national suspected in the shooting of two National Guard members near the White House could face the death penalty if either victim succumbs to their injuries.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was charged with three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The two West Virginia National Guardsmen remain in critical condition following Wednesday’s shooting, which took place near the Farragut West Metro station.
Federal Charges and Possible Capital Case
“As we stand here today, the charges that are appropriate are three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, a violation of D.C. code 22–401 and 22–4502,” Pirro said at a morning press conference. “If either of the victims does not survive, we will pursue charges of murder in the first degree — making this a potential capital case.”
Pirro emphasized that the Department of Justice, under Attorney General Pam Bondi, is fully committed to a “thorough and impartial” investigation. “We are working closely with DHS, the FBI, and local law enforcement to trace every step of this suspect’s immigration history and travel path,” she said.
Cross-Country Intent and Immigration Failures
According to Pirro, the shooter drove across the country from the state of Washington with the intention of targeting the nation’s capital. “This was premeditated. This was an ambush. And this was made possible by a completely broken and reckless immigration system,” she said.
The suspect reportedly entered the United States under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome initiative in September 2021, after working with the CIA in Afghanistan. His legal permission to stay in the U.S. reportedly expired earlier this year.
Pirro did not hold back on the administration’s responsibility. “This is what happens when people are allowed into the country with virtually no proper vetting. Our nation’s capital should not be a place where evil is welcomed under the guise of compassion,” she said.
Tribute to National Guard and Warning to Criminals
Pirro praised the two Guardsmen, calling them “the line that separates a civilized society from a barbaric one,” and warned that attacks like this would not be tolerated under President Donald Trump’s leadership.
“Let me be very clear. You picked the wrong target, the wrong city, and the wrong country,” Pirro declared. “You will be sorry for the violence and evil you brought into our capital.”
She closed by stating that while the country has seen similar tragedies in the past, “we will not allow this to be normalized. It will be confronted, condemned, and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”