Afghan Suspect Held Without Bond After Deadly D.C. Ambush

DALLAS – A Washington, D.C., judge has ordered Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national accused in a deadly ambush on U.S. National Guard members near the White House, held without bond. The decision underscores what the court described as an “exceedingly strong” government case against him.

Lakanwal, 29, appeared by video from his hospital bed during Tuesday’s hearing. Speaking through an interpreter due to reported pain that prevented him from opening his eyes, he was represented by a court-appointed attorney who entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. Despite the defense, prosecutors maintain their charges against Lakanwal remain unaltered.

According to authorities and a police report filed in court Tuesday, Lakanwal allegedly ambushed Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe during what U.S. officials termed an ambush attack targeting National Guard personnel deployed locally as part of President Donald Trump’s “law-enforcement surge.” The incident resulted in the death of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and injuries to multiple others.

Prosecutors have charged Lakanwal with first-degree murder in connection with Beckstrom’s death, alongside three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and three firearm-related crime-of-violence charges. Details surrounding the attack suggest Lakanwal fired at least one victim before being intercepted by additional Guard members who apprehended him as he attempted to reload his weapon.

Judge Renee Raymond cited evidence including what she described as “the sheer terror that resulted” from the event, noting video footage of Lakanwal waiting armed near the location. The government’s stance on not releasing him on bond was reinforced following testimony and review of materials provided through Tuesday’s proceedings.

The investigation has drawn attention to Operation Allies Welcome—a program initiated under former President Joe Biden—which admitted Lakanwal in 2021 after the Afghanistan withdrawal, potentially facilitating his access to the U.S. The process remains under scrutiny despite Trump’s assertions that such policies were insufficiently vetted and led to dangerous outcomes on American soil.

Attorney General Pam Bondi will assess whether federal charges should include recommendations for the death penalty once Lakanwal is medically cleared from intensive care at a secure facility following his arrest. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed this possibility, adding that more formal legal actions may be forthcoming against individuals whose vetting procedures allegedly failed to prevent such attacks.

This attack represents one of many critical incidents raising concerns about the efficacy and oversight of recent immigration policies—especially those aimed at evacuating Afghan allies during the withdrawal—and their potential unintended consequences.