Afghan Ex-Soldier Kills National Guard Member Near White House

A shocking attack outside the White House left the nation stunned as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan asylum seeker, opened fire on two National Guard members, killing one. Lakanwal, who was injured in the exchange, pleaded not guilty to murder and firearms charges from his hospital bed.

The victim, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom from West Virginia, was fatally shot, while her colleague Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition. Lakanwal is charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and firearms offenses. A federal judge ordered him detained until the next hearing on January 14.

Officials revealed that Lakanwal arrived in the United States under a resettlement program following the 2021 American military withdrawal from Afghanistan. Authorities allege he may have been radicalized after entering the country and traveled across the U.S. to carry out the attack on Thanksgiving Eve. Witnesses described him yelling “Allahu Akbar!” during the shooting.

The incident has reignited debate over U.S. asylum policies. The Trump administration suspended visas for Afghan nationals after the attack and paused decisions in all asylum cases, citing concerns over vetting procedures. Lakanwal had previously been part of a CIA-supported Afghan “partner force” against the Taliban.

The Department of Justice also highlighted a related case in Texas, where Afghan national Mohammad Dawood Alokozay, 30, was arrested for allegedly threatening a suicide attack in a viral video shared on social media.

This attack marks a rare but deadly confrontation on U.S. soil involving a resettled Afghan and has raised questions on security, radicalization, and the oversight of immigration programs.