The possibility of the death penalty moved closer after federal prosecutors filed new charges against the Afghan national accused of killing a D.C. National Guard member near the White House. The expanded charges shift the case into federal court and significantly raise the stakes for the accused.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia announced that Rahmanullah Lakanwal now faces federal counts of transporting a firearm in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony and transporting a stolen firearm across state lines. Authorities said National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the Nov. 26 attack, while Andrew Wolfe survived with serious injuries.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the move to federal court allows a deeper review of capital punishment. “The transfer of this case from Superior Court to District Court ensures that we can undertake the serious, deliberate and weighty analysis required to determine if the death penalty is appropriate here,” Pirro stated. She added, “Sarah Beckstrom was just 20 years old when she was killed, and her parents are now forced to endure the holiday season without their daughter.”
Prosecutors said Lakanwal still faces first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and multiple firearms charges under D.C. law. An FBI affidavit stated the .357 Smith & Wesson revolver used in the shooting was stolen from a Seattle home in May 2023.
Investigators said Lakanwal obtained the firearm in Bellingham, Washington, then purchased additional ammunition. The affidavit noted that he searched “Washington, D.C.” and later “The White House” on Google Maps days before the shooting, which occurred two blocks from the White House.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has previously said the Justice Department intends to seek the death penalty in the case.
