Afghan National Pleads Not Guilty to Ambush-Style Shooting of US National Guard Troops
Image Source: Internet
In a virtual court hearing from a hospital bed, Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal pleaded not guilty to murder and assault charges in connection with the November 26 shooting near the White House that killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and injured National Guard member Andrew Wolfe. Lakanwal's lawyer entered the plea on his behalf, citing the severity of the charges and the 'sheer terror' caused by the attack. According to authorities, Lakanwal, who entered the US through Operation Allies Welcome in 2021, allegedly approached the troops and opened fire in what prosecutors described as a 'shocking crime.' The possible motive behind the ambush-style attack remains under investigation. Beckstrom and Wolfe were part of the West Virginia National Guard, deployed in Washington, D.C. since August 2021, following President Donald Trump's request. Lakanwal had applied for asylum under the Biden administration but was approved under Trump's presidency. The magistrate judge has ordered Lakanwal's detention, citing the severity of the crime. The incident has sparked controversy, with Trump labeling it a 'terrorist attack' and criticizing the Biden administration's handling of Afghan immigration. The case is ongoing, with Lakanwal's detention pending further investigation.
