WASHINGTON — A former Afghanistan refugee has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom, according to a newly filed police affidavit that describes a brief but violent attack during a routine patrol.
Police said the suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, opened fire without warning, shouting “Allahu Akbar” as he shot Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe. Investigators said Lakanwal was struck by return fire from a National Guardsman as he attempted to reload, and another Guardsman jumped on him and subdued with the help of the US Secret Service.
Authorities said the shooting occurred on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, while Beckstrom and other personnel were conducting a standard patrol. According to the affidavit, Maj. Reynolds of the Army National Guard reported hearing gunfire around 2:13 p.m. and saw Beckstrom and Wolfe collapse as Lakanwal fired toward them.
Beckstrom was transported by helicopter to Washington Hospital Center where medical staff pronounced her dead later in the day. Dr. Giese, the attending medical examiner, determined she had been shot once in the back of the head. The cause of death was ruled a gunshot wound, and the manner of death was classified as homicide.
Surveillance footage reviewed by detectives shows the gunman rounding a corner with both hands raised in a firing stance before opening fire toward Beckstrom and Wolfe. Investigators said the video also shows Lakanwal pursuing and shooting at another Guardsman before he was stopped. Three still images from the footage are included in the affidavit.
