by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief
(Worthy News) – Shouting “Allahu Akbar” as he opened fire just blocks from the White House, an Afghan national evacuated to the United States in 2021 is accused of killing one West Virginia National Guard soldier and critically injuring another in a broad-daylight attack that federal authorities say was entirely unprovoked.
According to a newly released criminal affidavit, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, fired multiple rounds from a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver while invoking the Arabic phrase meaning “God is greater”—a declaration often used by jihadist attackers to frame their violence as a religious act and instill fear in victims.
A Targeted Ambush in Downtown Washington
Prosecutors say Lakanwal drove from his home in Washington state to the nation’s capital before walking up to two National Guard troops at 17th and I Streets NW, near the Farragut West Metro Station, and opening fire at 2:13 p.m. on Nov. 26.
The victims, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, were patrolling the area as part of the broader National Guard deployment ordered by President Donald Trump to support law enforcement in Washington, D.C. Beckstrom died the following day from her wounds. Wolfe remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Lakanwal himself was shot by another Guardsman who returned fire, ending the attack.
Evacuee Tied to CIA-Linked Afghan Units
Lakanwal entered the United States following the Biden administration’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. He had been a member of the National Strike Unit (NSU), part of the CIA-associated “Zero Units” under the former Afghan National Directorate of Security (NDS).
Court Appearance From Hospital Bed
Lakanwal appeared virtually from his hospital bed and pleaded not guilty to all charges, including murder, two counts of assault with intent to kill, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
D.C. Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond ordered him held without bond ahead of his next hearing on Jan. 14.
The Justice Department has not publicly announced a motive, but the shouted invocation during the shooting and his background with Afghan paramilitary units remain central to the investigation.
Copyright 1999-2026 Worthy News. This article was originally published on Worthy News and was reproduced with permission.
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