A 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been formally charged with murder in connection to a shooting incident in Washington D.C. last week that left two West Virginia National Guard members dead and another critically injured.
Lakanwal, who was shot by a fellow National Guard member during the altercation, appeared before a judge remotely from his hospital bed on Tuesday, where he is recovering from gunshot wounds himself. He pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
The shooting occurred just blocks from the White House as Lakanwal ambushed two National Guard members, Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, who were conducting high-visibility patrols on November 25. Beckstrom was killed, while Wolfe suffered critical injuries.
According to the investigation, video footage recovered from the scene shows Lakanwal opening fire after coming around a corner with his hands raised in a firing stance. The suspect's firearm, a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, was reportedly empty when he was shot by the National Guard member who subdued him.
Lakanwal had been working as a partner force with the U.S. government in Afghanistan and had previously worked with the CIA and the Joint Special Operations Command. However, his work permit had expired, and he was experiencing financial stress due to a possible mental health crisis.
A motive for the attack remains under investigation, but sources suggest that the FBI is looking into whether it may be linked to international terrorism. The suspect's past connections to terrorist organizations and extremist groups are being scrutinized by investigators.
Lakanwal was ruled to be held without bond until at least January 14.
Lakanwal, who was shot by a fellow National Guard member during the altercation, appeared before a judge remotely from his hospital bed on Tuesday, where he is recovering from gunshot wounds himself. He pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
The shooting occurred just blocks from the White House as Lakanwal ambushed two National Guard members, Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, who were conducting high-visibility patrols on November 25. Beckstrom was killed, while Wolfe suffered critical injuries.
According to the investigation, video footage recovered from the scene shows Lakanwal opening fire after coming around a corner with his hands raised in a firing stance. The suspect's firearm, a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver, was reportedly empty when he was shot by the National Guard member who subdued him.
Lakanwal had been working as a partner force with the U.S. government in Afghanistan and had previously worked with the CIA and the Joint Special Operations Command. However, his work permit had expired, and he was experiencing financial stress due to a possible mental health crisis.
A motive for the attack remains under investigation, but sources suggest that the FBI is looking into whether it may be linked to international terrorism. The suspect's past connections to terrorist organizations and extremist groups are being scrutinized by investigators.
Lakanwal was ruled to be held without bond until at least January 14.
. The guy had a history of working with the CIA and JSOC, but that's not necessarily a motive for murder. And now he's got ties to terrorist orgs? That's just speculative at this point 
.
. The FBI saying it might be linked to international terrorism is one thing, but we need actual proof before we can say that's a fact 
. And what about the financial stress? Was that really enough to drive him to this point? 
. How did that even happen?
And now they're thinking it might be linked to terrorism? That's a lot to take in. Can't we just get to the bottom of this without jumping to conclusions? 
Something doesn't add up here.
This dude's background is wild, worked with CIA & JSOC, but still went rogue... 
He just got the job of his dreams, but still can't handle stress 
, next thing you know he's trying to take out two soldiers 
... and now he's facing murder charges 
, but at the same time, i'm like what was going on in his head? 
was he really having a mental health crisis or was there something more to it? 
... that's a whole other level of crazy 
this is getting out of hand, another shooting in the US and now a 29-year-old Afghan national is charged with murder... can't believe he had a work permit & connection to CIA and JSOC but still went rogue... 
international terrorism angle still unknown... hope justice is served 
. I'm no expert, but it seems like he was having some major financial stress and maybe even mental health issues. Poor dude, you'd think that's enough to get him help, right? But I guess when you're facing a murder charge, you don't exactly have the luxury of therapy sessions 
. One thing's for sure, though - this guy's got some serious skills with that .357 revolver