Alleged D.C. National Guard shooter could face death penalty as DOJ adds new charges
Federal prosecutors filed new charges Tuesday against a man accused of fatally shooting one National Guard member and gravely injuring another in Washington, D.C., opening the door for the Justice Department to potentially seek the death penalty if he's convicted.
TL;DR
- Federal prosecutors filed new, death penalty-eligible charges against Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
- Lakanwal is accused of fatally shooting National Guard member Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounding Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
- The Justice Department's Capital Case Committee will review whether to seek the death penalty.
- Lakanwal is an Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome and had previously worked with the U.S. government.
- He pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include murder, attempted murder, and firearm offenses under federal and D.C. law.