A 29-year-old suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, now faces a first-degree murder charge following the death of 20-year-old Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, who was shot in an ambush in Washington, D.C., the day before Thanksgiving. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the upgraded charge after officials confirmed that Beckstrom died from her injuries in a local hospital. Pirro said additional charges are expected.
Lakanwal is currently charged with first-degree murder, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. He was arrested shortly after the shooting near Farragut Square Park, just two blocks from the White House.
Beckstrom was a member of the West Virginia National Guard’s 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade. She had volunteered to work during the holiday and had been deployed to Washington since August. Her father shared news of her passing on Facebook, describing the event as a devastating tragedy.
The second victim, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, remains hospitalized and is reportedly fighting for his life.
Authorities say Lakanwal, an Afghan national, arrived in the United States in September 2021 during evacuation efforts following the fall of Kabul and allegedly overstayed his visa.
