DOJ adds charges against suspected National Guard shooter

The new charges include six that carry the death penalty, The Hill reported. But the DOJ has not decided whether to pursue that option.

Published: June 16, 2026 4:06pm

The Department of Justice on Tuesday announced additional charges against an Afghan national accused of shooting two members of the National Guard who were on patrol in Washington, D.C.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal stands accused of shooting them both and has pleaded not guilty. The DOJ first brought charges in November, but added additional charges in February, plus Tuesday's additions.

The new charges include six that carry the death penalty, The Hill reported. But the DOJ has not decided whether to pursue that option.

U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot in the November attack, with Beckstrom dying from her injuries. 

The pair were on patrol as part of President Donald Trump's surge of National Guard personnel to Washington, D.C., to crack down on crime and illegal immigration in the nation's capital.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.

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