WASHINGTON — Prosecutors said Tuesday that they will seek the death penalty for the Afghan national accused of killing one National Guard member and gravely wounding another in Washington, DC, last year.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, made a wild-eyed appearance in federal court, where he was hit with additional charges, many of which make him eligible for execution, if convicted.
Prosecutors say he fatally shot West Virginia Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically injured US Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe on Nov. 26, 2025.
Appearing in a wheelchair and wearing an orange jumpsuit, he blinked rapidly during the hearing — muttering to himself and at times wearing a crazed, wide-eyed stare.
The new filing alleges 17 counts, including first-degree armed premeditated murder of a National Guard member, attempted murder of three others, assault with intent to kill as well as transportation of a firearm across state lines to commit a felony and discharge of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Lakanwal, armed with a stolen Smith & Wesson revolver, ambushed Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, near the Farragut West Metro Station close to the White House, shooting them both in the head, prosecutors said.
The former Afghan special forces soldier, who came to the US as a refugee, potentially faces the death penalty if convicted of the murder charge.
The suspected shooter was taken down by two nearby National Guardsmen, who shot and stabbed him.
He allegedly drove cross country from his home state of Washington to DC with the stolen .357 Magnum-caliber gun to carry out the attack.
Lakanwal was originally indicted on charges of murder, assault and gun crimes — none of which would have made him eligible for the death penalty if convicted.
Prosecutors had said they hoped to bring additional charges that would come with the potential of capital punishment.
Beckstrom volunteered to work that day so that his fellow guardsmen who had kids could spend the holiday with their families.
She died the next day, on Thanksgiving.
Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty.
