WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro revealed on Friday that charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who shot two National Guard members, have been escalated to first-degree murder following the death of one of the soldiers. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries after being shot on Wednesday.
Beckstrom and another soldier, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, were hospitalized in critical condition following the shooting incident. President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstrom's death on Thursday evening, calling the situation devastating.
Lakanwal's upgraded charges now include one count of first-degree murder, three counts of possession of a firearm during a violent crime, and two counts of aggravated assault with intent to kill while armed. According to Pirro, Lakanwal drove across the country to execute an ambush-style attack using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. While motives for the attack remain unclear, authorities continue to investigate.
The 29-year-old Lakanwal, who previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan special unit, immigrated to the U.S. in 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program. He had settled in Bellingham, Washington, with his family, while applying for asylum during the previous administration.
Friends and family of Lakanwal have expressed concerns over his mental health. His cousin revealed that he began working for the unit as a security guard in 2012 and advanced to a team leader position.
The tragic incident has raised alarms regarding the safety and well-being of military and law enforcement personnel, as investigations continue into the attacker's background and motivations.
