Chilling footage captures White House shooting as Afghan suspect faces murder charge

WASHINGTON, DC: New and unsettling footage has surfaced from the deadly shooting near the White House on Wednesday that left one National Guard member dead and another gravely injured. The images and video show the precise moment the attack unfolded, capturing the suspect running up behind the Guard members before opening fire.

Chilling footage shows Rahmanullah Lakanwal opening fire on National Guard members 

The visuals, including a bystander’s smartphone video and a still image, were obtained by The Wall Street Journal and provide the first clear look at the suspect.

The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was seen brazenly wielding a handgun as he fired multiple rounds at the National Guard members on the eve of Thanksgiving. In the video, the Guard members return fire while trying to find cover. One male guard is seen sprinting down the street, attempting to reload his weapon as gunshots echo.

Moments later, the video shows Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Senior Airman Andrew Wolfe, 24, collapsed on the pavement after being struck. Troops soon rushed in, ultimately tackling and restraining the gunman before taking him into custody.

Beckstrom tragically succumbed to her injuries on Thursday night. Wolfe remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with first-degree murder after the DC attack

Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was treated for non-life-threatening wounds after the attack. He initially faced charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

After Beckstrom’s death, US Attorney for DC Jeanine Pirro announced on Friday, November 28, that the charges had been upgraded to first-degree murder.

“What happened at that crime scene is unmistakable. It is a premeditated murder,” Pirro said on Fox News’ Fox & Friends. “There was an ambush with a gun toward people who didn’t know it was coming. This case has touched the hearts of so many Americans, and the individual who did this will pay the ultimate price when and if a jury returns the verdict we will be seeking.”

Details of Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe emerge after the White House shooting

Beckstrom, of Webster Springs, served with the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade. She entered service on June 26, 2023 and had been on Task Force orders in DC since the mission began in August.

Wolfe, of Martinsburg, is assigned to the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing. He entered service on February 5, 2019 and has also been serving on the mission since August.