Overview
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, now faces a federal complaint including transporting a stolen firearm across state lines and transporting a firearm with intent to commit a felony, alongside first-degree premeditated murder while armed and related counts.
- An FBI affidavit describes a stolen .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, an ammunition purchase in Bellingham, Google Maps searches for Washington, D.C. and the White House, and a tracked drive from Washington state to the capital.
- Surveillance video depicts an ambush near 17th and I Streets NW that left Spc. Sarah Beckstrom dead and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe critically wounded before a Guard member shot Lakanwal and the Secret Service detained him.
- Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome and previously worked with U.S. government entities, according to officials, though investigators have not identified a motive.
- He has pleaded not guilty in D.C. court and remains in custody as Wolfe continues rehabilitation; early January court dates are scheduled under the federal prosecution.