Judge in D.C. National Guardsmen Shooting Case Has Bad News for Suspect at Arraignment – RedState
The suspect detained in connection with the Washington, D.C., Thanksgiving Eve terrorist attacks against WV National Guardsmen faced the charges against him during a virtual appearance in a District of Columbia courtroom on Tuesday. The judge in charge of his arraignment gave him bad news about his chances of overcoming the charges.
As RedState previously wrote, the alleged shooter faces one count of first-degree murder; assault with intent to kill while armed; possession of a firearm; and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, after killing a 20-year-old CPS. Sarah Beckstrom and the seriously injured 24-year-old Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
SEE: (Updated) Breaking: Two NG members shot dead in terror attack near WH, now reported in critical condition
Update: New details revealed as officials hold morning press conference on DC National Guard shooting
The 29-year-old man, who remains in hospital after being shot while being restrained by authorities, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and was denied bail:
Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was also shot dead, could be seen on video lying on a hospital bed. Officials say Lakanwal shot CPS. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, last week while patrolling near the White House as part of their deployment to the nation’s capital.
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He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. A judge ordered Lakanwal held without bail.
READ MORE Pam Bondi reports the facts showing Pres. Trump flipped the script on Biden admin’s high crime
But what was striking in the reporting on the arraignment hearing were the judge’s frank comments on the strength of the government’s case against him, considering that one part of the filing consisted of screenshots of a video showing the alleged terrorist attack:
Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond noted that the government’s case against Lakanwal was “extremely strong.”
“There is video footage of him waiting in broad daylight while he was armed, and then after seeing a contingent of law enforcement officers, including National Guardsmen killed and injured, he walked toward them and started shooting at them,” Raymond said. “This once again demonstrates the strength of the government’s arguments.”
It is also confirmed in the charging documents that the suspect shouted “Allahu akbar!” something that circulated like a rumor in the hours following the heinous attacks. He attempted to reload his gun, but was arrested before he could do so.
We learned the latest news on Tuesday about the condition of someone else in a hospital bed, Andrew Wolfe, with Attorney General Pam Bondi’s remarks to President Trump during a Cabinet meeting covered by the media, as my colleague Katie Jerkovich wrote. Bondi said her parents gave her the message: “He’s okay. His parents, Jason and Melody, wanted me to tell you, and I was with them yesterday at the hospital. It’s a miracle.” The attorney general asked all Americans to “continue to pray” for his family and that “he has a long road ahead of him.”
Fortunately, Wolfe was upgraded to serious condition, which the West Virginia governor confirmed Monday in some very welcome positive news about the serviceman:
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Monday he showed signs of improvement after giving nurses a “nudge” and being able to wiggle his toes.
This is a developing story. RedState will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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