Rahmanullah Lakanwal , accused of shooting two National Guardsmen near the White House, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges on Tuesday (December 2) in D.C. Superior Court. Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, appeared virtually from a hospital bed, having been shot during the incident. The shooting resulted in the death of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom , 20, and left Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe , 24, in critical condition.

Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond ordered Lakanwal to be held without bond , citing the seriousness of the charges and potential risk to the community. Lakanwal faces multiple charges, including assault with intent to kill and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Prosecutors claim that Lakanwal, who had been living in Bellingham, W

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