The man accused of shooting two members of the National Guard in Washington pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to charges of murder and assault during a first court appearance he made from the hospital bed where he remains admitted, CNN reported.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan citizen, faces a charge of first-degree murder in the death of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, one of the two agents he allegedly shot last Wednesday near the White House.
The other officer struck while on patrol, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.
The defendant, who is hospitalized because he was injured by federal agents during the shooting, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
In addition to murder, he is accused of assault with intent to kill, possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during a violent act.
Continue reading: DC shooting: suspect will face first-degree murder charges
The authorities continue to investigate the possible motive for the crime, although the Attorney General of the United States, Pam Bondi, announced that Justice could accuse him of charges related to terrorism and seek the death penalty for him.
District of Columbia Judge Renee Raymond ordered the defendant held without bail pending trial.
During the virtual appearance, he appeared covered with a blanket, except for his head, and with his eyes closed while he writhed in pain.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal worked for a CIA-backed military unit in Afghanistan and in 2021, when US troops withdrew from the country and the Taliban took power, he was evacuated to the United States along with thousands of Afghans.
As a result of this attack, the Trump Government has frozen all asylum requests of any nationality and is considering expanding the list of countries with travel bans to the United States.
With information from EFE
