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6d ago

DOJ Unseals 17-Count Indictment in D.C. Guard Shooting and Opens Death-Penalty Review

The Justice Department's Capital Case Committee will decide whether to seek execution after a federal grand jury added multiple death-eligible counts against the defendant.

Members of the National Guard stands guard the streets near the White House complex Saturday, June 13, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
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Members of the National Guard patrol at Gallery Place Metro Station on December 3, 2025 in Washington, DC. | (Getty Images)

Overview

  • Federal prosecutors unsealed a 17-count superseding indictment on Tuesday that adds death-eligible charges, including first-degree murder and discharge of a firearm causing death.
  • Rahmanullah Lakanwal pleaded not guilty at arraignment, remains in federal custody, and is due back for a status hearing on Sept. 16.
  • Prosecutors say Lakanwal ambushed two West Virginia National Guard members near the Farragut West Metro station on Nov. 26, 2025, killing Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounding Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
  • Lakanwal was paroled into the United States under Operation Allies Welcome in 2021 and worked with U.S. partners in Afghanistan, facts that have become part of public and policy discussion about the case.
  • The Capital Case Committee review is the next formal step before DOJ leadership can seek the death penalty and defense lawyers will have an opportunity to present mitigating evidence during that process.