DC Killer’s Charges Upgraded – Now Facing Murder One – RedState
Speaking Friday morning on the Fox News morning show Fox and Friends, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said charges against the Afghan national who allegedly shot and killed two National Guardsmen in the nation’s capital on Wednesday would be upgraded. This follows the death of specialist Sarah Beckstrom from her injuries.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal will now face first-degree murder charges.
Fox & Friends: “Are we going to see an escalation of accusations against the [Afghan illegal alien]?”
DC U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro: “Oh, there’s no doubt about it… [Rahmanullah Lakanwal] will now be charged with mu*der in the first degree. There are certainly a lot more costs… pic.twitter.com/h3njMC16ho
– RedWave Press (@RedWave_Press) November 28, 2025
The US Attorney said, responding to a question about the escalation of charges:
“Oh, there’s no doubt about it. First of all, our thoughts and prayers go out today to the family of a beautiful 20-year-old, Sarah Beckstrom, who answered the call to serve her nation. She volunteered and ended up being shot and killed in an ambush on the cold streets of Washington, D.C., by an individual who will now be charged with first-degree murder. There are certainly many more charges to come, but we are raising the original charges from assault to first degree murder and we hope that the more information we can get and the more investigations that are done, 24 hours a day, 24 hours a day, in Washington, the more we will find out what really happened as far as this individual’s very presence in this country and his position to ambush and shoot an innocent young woman who was doing her duty to the people of this country.
See previous RedState coverage on this developing story:
Learn more: Trump announces National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom died after terrorist attack in Washington
Watch: Trump shreds reporters over Afghans in America, reveals more about Venezuela’s future plans
The first-degree murder charge could result in a death sentence under 18 USC § 1111, after trial and conviction.
Ms. Pirro also expressed hope for the other National Guardsman injured in the terrorist ambush, Andrew Wolfe.
US ATTORNEY JEANINE PIRRO provides update on injured WV National Guard member Andrew Wolfe: “We still have hope. He is still in critical condition.”
“We are doing everything we can to help her family and make sure they have everything they need during this time… pic.twitter.com/6RsTSUUfGG
– Fox News (@FoxNews) November 28, 2025
The message continues:
“We are doing everything we can to help her family and make sure they have everything they need during this difficult time for them.
“We are all praying for Andrew Wolfe.”
This attack, which comes on the eve of a national holiday of reflection and thanksgiving, seems particularly heinous. We can only hope that the prosecutions will be vigorously pursued; listening to the US Attorney, it seems very certain that this is an accused criminal who will not benefit from a plea bargain and then not be returned to the community.
This remains a rapidly evolving story. Stay tuned; we will bring you updates as events warrant.
Editor’s note: President Trump is leading America toward the “Gilded Age” while Democrats are desperately trying to stop him.
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