U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that federal prosecutors intend to pursue the death penalty against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the 29-year-old Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C., the day before Thanksgiving. Bondi made the remarks during an interview on Fox News, according to the New York Post.
“I will tell you early, we will do everything in our power to seek the death penalty against that monster who should not have been in our country,” Bondi said. She also indicated that prosecutors would formally seek capital charges “if something happens” to the injured soldiers, who were in critical condition following emergency surgery, though one has since reportedly died from her injuries.
Victims in Critical Condition
The victims have been identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, both members of the West Virginia National Guard. The two had been sworn in less than 24 hours before the attack occurred.
Before she died, Beckstrom’s father told The New York Times that her injuries are not survivable, saying, “She has a mortal wound. It’s not going to be a recovery.”
Details of the Attack
According to Breitbart News, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeannine Pirro said Lakanwal opened fire near the Farragut West Metro Station around 2:15 p.m. Eastern Time. The location is just blocks from the White House. Lakanwal, originally from Afghanistan, entered the United States in September 2021 under Joe Biden’s Operation Allies Welcome following the chaotic and highly criticized withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Pirro said current charges include three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and one count of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. Since one Guardsman has already died, Lakanwal will face first-degree murder charges, according to the U.S. attorney.
Trump Condemns Attack as “Act of Evil”
In an address to the nation after the shooting, President Donald Trump condemned the violence. “This heinous assault was an act of evil and act of hatred and an act of terror,” Trump said. “It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity. Americans tonight are with those two West Virginian National Guard and their families.”
The attack—occurring just ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday—has intensified national scrutiny over public safety and immigration vetting procedures.
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