AFGHAN NATIONAL FORMALLY CHARGED IN D.C. SHOOTING THAT KILLED WEST VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD SOLDIER

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The man accused of ambushing two West Virginia National Guard members near the Farragut Square Metro station in Washington, D.C., has now been formally charged with murder, according to newly released first-hand documents from the U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA and the SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The charging decision marks the first official confirmation that the case has moved from preliminary detainment into full criminal prosecution.

According to the U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and multiple counts of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence. A judge found probable cause that he committed the offenses and ordered him held without bond pending further proceedings.

First-hand court documents from the SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA confirm the charges and detail the events of November 26, 2025. The filing states that Lakanwal arrived at 17th and I Streets NW shortly after 2 p.m. and opened fire on two Guard members “without provocation.” The order holding him without bond affirms the judge’s determination that the allegations meet the standard for continued pretrial detention.

The victims were on duty as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission, a public-safety support initiative staffed by Guard units from across the country. The WEST VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD identified them as U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, assigned to the 167th Airlift Wing. Both were conducting a high-visibility patrol when they were attacked.

Beckstrom later died from her injuries, a fact formally confirmed in a statement from the OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF WEST VIRGINIA. Governor Patrick Morrisey described the shooting as “horrific” and ordered state flags flown at half-staff in her honor. A separate proclamation called for a statewide moment of silence to recognize both soldiers and their families.

The broader mission context is outlined in first-hand documents from the NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU and U.S. ARMY, which describe the D.C. Safe and Beautiful deployment as a multi-state support operation providing patrol presence, logistical assistance, and coordination with the METROPOLITAN POLICE DEPARTMENT and city agencies. These releases note that roughly 2,000–2,300 Guard members support the District under Joint Task Force–District of Columbia.

First-hand video footage released by the WEST VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD and U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD shows flowers, flags, and handwritten notes placed near the Farragut West Metro entrance where the shooting occurred. Service members at multiple bases have held moments of silence in Beckstrom’s and Wolfe’s honor.

Federal prosecutors say the investigation remains ongoing. First-hand sources reviewed by Appalachian Post do not confirm any official motive, ideological classification, or terrorism-related determination at this time. Appalachian Post reviewed available primary materials and could not confirm additional biographical or motive claims appearing in some secondary reporting.

At Appalachian Post, we rely on first-hand official sources for all factual claims. When secondary outlets report additional details, we cite them as attribution only and state clearly what Appalachian Post can and cannot confirm through direct documentation.

Primary First-Hand Sources:
— U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE FOR THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA press release on formal charges
— SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA charging documents and no-bond order
— WEST VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD release identifying soldiers and mission details
— OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF WEST VIRGINIA statements on Beckstrom’s passing and statewide honors
— NATIONAL GUARD BUREAU / U.S. ARMY releases on the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Mission
— U.S. AIR NATIONAL GUARD / WEST VIRGINIA NATIONAL GUARD publicly released memorial footage

Secondary Attribution-Based Sources:
— Public reporting by national outlets referenced only for contextual awareness (ABC News, Reuters, Washington Post). Appalachian Post uses these solely for attribution; all factual claims in this article derive from first-hand sources.