BREAKING: Afghan national pleads not guilty in shooting of National Guard members

Lakanwal is facing first-degree murder and assault counts in the shooting that killed Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously injured Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24. Defense counsel entered the plea on his behalf during the brief hearing, noting he remains under medical care after being shot by responding officers.

Prosecutors say both Guard members were assigned to security operations in the area when the gunman opened fire without warning. Wolfe continues to recover in critical condition.

The judge set preliminary scheduling deadlines while Lakanwal remains in federal custody.

Lakanwal arrived in the United States under Operation Allies Welcome in September 2021, part of the Biden administration’s resettlement initiative for Afghans who had assisted US forces during the two-decade war. He had previously served in the Afghan National Army and worked with American agencies, including US Special Forces and intelligence units operating in Kandahar. Multiple intelligence sources have since confirmed he had contact with the CIA during counterterror missions.

Federal officials say the FBI is now leading a broader inquiry into whether Wednesday’s shooting qualifies as an act of international terrorism. Intelligence agencies are examining his movements since entering the country and any potential motives behind the attack.

President Donald Trump condemned the shooting in a national address, calling it a “savage attack” and describing the ambush as an assault on the entire country. DC officials have confirmed only that the shooting appeared targeted, and federal investigators have not released further details on motive.

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