The man accused of ambushing two National Guard members the day before Thanksgiving now faces a first-degree murder charge, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced Friday. The upgraded charge follows confirmation that 20-year-old Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom died from her injuries in a D.C.-area hospital. Suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was already facing multiple counts, including firearm possession during a violent crime and assault with intent to kill. Beckstrom had volunteered for duty over the holiday, and her father wrote on Facebook that his daughter had “passed to glory,” calling the loss a devastating tragedy.
Lakanwal, an Afghan national who arrived in the United States in 2021 under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome program, was arrested moments after the ambush near Farragut Square, close to the White House. Officials said he allegedly overstayed his visa before later being approved for asylum. He is accused of shooting Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who remains in critical condition. Both service members were deployed to Washington as part of a National Guard mission requested by President Trump to boost security in the city.
The attack sparked strong political reactions, with Trump blaming Biden’s immigration policies for allowing Lakanwal into the country. Trump called the shooting “a horrible tragedy” and promised the suspect would “pay a very steep price.” Authorities say additional charges are expected as the investigation continues.