WASHINGTON — Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges of first-degree murder and assault. He is accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House on November 26. Lakanwal made his initial court appearance via video from a hospital bed, where he is recovering from injuries sustained during the incident.

The shooting resulted in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and left Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, in critical condition. Both soldiers were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of a law enforcement surge in Washington, D.C., which has seen an increase in federal agents and troops since August.

During the virtual hearing, Lakanwal's attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro’s office has charged him with murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. The court is investigating the motive behind what authorities have described as an ambush-style attack.

D.C. Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond ordered Lakanwal to be held without bond, stating, "No condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community." The judge noted that Lakanwal traveled 3,000 miles to the U.S. armed and with a specific purpose.

Lakanwal, who has lived in Washington state with his family since arriving in the U.S. in 2021, previously worked with U.S. forces in Afghanistan. During the hearing, he appeared visibly in pain and struggled to communicate, stating through a translator, "I have pain."

Prosecutors allege that Lakanwal shouted "Allahu Akbar" while opening fire in downtown Washington. An eight-page court document details the events leading up to the shooting, indicating that Beckstrom and Wolfe were on patrol when the gunfire erupted.

Lakanwal is scheduled to return to court on January 14. The investigation into the shooting continues as authorities seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the attack.