The Afghan national accused of carrying out a deadly ambush-style shooting targeting National Guard members near the White House pleaded not guilty Tuesday to all charges in a 17-count federal superseding indictment.

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Just hours earlier, the Department of Justice (DOJ) unsealed the indictment against Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 30, who previously worked for the CIA in Afghanistan. Lakanwal is accused of killing West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and severely wounding Guardsman Andrew Wolfe in last November’s attack.

Prosecutors said the charges, which include first-degree murder, make the case eligible for the death penalty.

"Sarah Beckstrom was 20 years old, serving her country in the nation's capital, when Rahmanullah Lakanwal allegedly drove across the country and executed her in cold blood steps from the White House," U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro said. "That is not just a crime, it is a major offense against the United States. We will pursue every penalty the law permits as we seek justice for Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe."

AFGHAN NATIONAL ACCUSED IN DEADLY DC NATIONAL GUARD SHOOTING PLEADS NOT GUILTY, PROSECUTORS SEEK DEATH PENALTY

During Tuesday’s arraignment, the suspect was seen wearing an orange prison jumpsuit and skullcap and remained in a wheelchair, as he appears to recover from injuries prosecutors say he sustained during the incident.

DOJ prosecutors told U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta that they will begin the death penalty review process shortly. 

The final decision on whether to pursue capital punishment will be made by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.

Lakanwal remains charged 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.

Mehta set the next status hearing for Sept. 16.

ALLEGED NATIONAL GUARD SHOOTER WORKED WITH US GOVERNMENT ENTITIES IN AFGHANISTAN, INCLUDING CIA: RATCLIFFE

According to court documents, Lakanwal allegedly drove his Toyota Prius from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to the District of Columbia while in possession of a stolen firearm. 

Prosecutors said he opened fire on West Virginia National Guard members, striking Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head. Two nearby National Guard members then subdued Lakanwal at the scene, officials said. 

Investigators reportedly recovered a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver that had been reported stolen in Seattle in 2023.

Officials said Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thanksgiving, while Wolfe continues to recover from his injuries.

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Mavericks missed out on Sean Sweeney, but this fan-favorite 68-year-old might be the next best thing originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Dallas Mavericks' head coaching search just got harder after Sean Sweeney, the San Antonio Spurs associate head coach, was hired by the Orlando Magic on May 29.

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Sweeney previously spent four seasons as a Mavericks assistant, and the front office wanted him back to lead the team alongside Cooper Flagg. Since Orlando won Sweeney, new team president Masai Ujiri must restart the coaching search with the NBA Draft just days away.

Orlando completed the deal with Sweeney after seeing his overwhelming track record with the Spurs. In just one season as their associate head coach, he helped the team win 28 more games and improved their defensive ranking from 25th to third. That turnaround proved his capability as a head coach, and he is now heading to the Eastern Conference.

With Sean Sweeney gone, the Mavericks are moving quickly through their interview process. NBA reporter Marc Stein lists Micah Nori, Royal Ivey, Jama Mahlalela, Tony Dobbins and Terry Stotts as the current candidates.

Among the list, Stotts is a familiar face in Dallas. He was an assistant coach under Rick Carlisle during the Mavericks' 2011 championship season. He used that success to land the head coaching job with the Portland Trail Blazers, where he stayed for nine years. There, Stotts built a 402-318 record, made the playoffs eight years in a row and became the second-winningest coach in that team's history.

But every rose has its thorn. Stotts hasn't been a head coach since 2021, and at 68, his age might force the Mavs to consider someone else. After Portland, he briefly joined the Milwaukee Bucks' staff before spending the last two seasons as an assistant with the Golden State Warriors.

However, given Mavs current situation, he seems the only option with a proven track record of building a steady playoff contender from the head coaching chair. Since he understands the Dallas organization, he would inherit a roster built around Flagg. While he might not be the flashy option, his stability makes him a highly capable backup plan.

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