January 1, DOJ Pursues Death Penalty in D.C. Guard Killing

Wyatt’s Take

• Federal officials can now seek the death penalty after new charges and a court transfer.
• An Afghan national faces accusations in the deadly shooting of National Guard members near the White House.
• The victim’s family faces the holidays with a heavy loss.

The Justice Department has filed new federal charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghanistan national accused of shooting two South Carolina National Guard members near the White House last month.

Sarah Beckstrom was killed, while Andrew Wolfe was badly wounded in the attack on November 26.

The new charges include carrying a firearm across state lines with intent to commit a crime and transporting a stolen firearm. The case has moved to U.S. District Court, where federal prosecutors are now able to seek the death penalty if a conviction is reached.

“The transfer of this case from Superior Court to District Court ensures that we can undertake the serious, deliberate, and weighty analysis required to determine if the death penalty is appropriate here,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro.

She also stated, “Sarah Beckstrom was just 20 years old when she was killed and her parents are now forced to endure the holiday season without their daughter. Andrew Wolfe, by the grace of God, survived but has a long road ahead in his recovery.”

Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and illegal possession of a firearm.

This court shift brings federal law and its penalties into play, reflecting the gravity of the loss for a proud military family.

For more details, visit: Just The News

Wyatt Matters

When justice is on the line, Middle America stands with military families and expects the law to deliver real accountability. Tragedies like this remind us of the price our communities pay and the need for a system that protects those who serve.