Washington, Dec 24 || The US authorities have filed federal charges against a 29-year-old Afghan national in connection with the shooting that killed National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounded Guardsman Andrew Wolfe in the nation’s capital.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who resided in Bellingham, Washington, was charged in a criminal complaint in US District Court with transporting a firearm in interstate commerce with intent to commit a felony and with transporting a stolen firearm across state lines, according to an announcement by US Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
“The transfer of this case from Superior Court to District Court ensures that we can undertake the serious, deliberate, and weighty analysis required to determine if the death penalty is appropriate here,” Pirro said. “Sarah Beckstrom was just 20 years old when she was killed, and her parents are now forced to endure the holiday season without their daughter. Andrew Wolfe, by the grace of God, survived but has a long road ahead in his recovery.”
Lakanwal also remains charged under the District of Columbia Code with first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.