Suspect in WV National Guard shooting makes first federal court appearance

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WVVA/NBC) - The man accused of killing one West Virginia National Guard soldier and wounding another last month outside a northwest Metro station made his first appearance in federal court Monday.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is facing five charges, including first-degree premeditated murder while armed and assault to kill while armed.

New details emerge about suspect

According to a criminal complaint filed in federal court, about a month before the shooting outside the Farragut West Metro station, a witness told the FBI Lakanwal was looking for a gun.

According to the affidavit, the witness told police Lakanwal was driving for Lyft and Uber and wanted a firearm for personal protection.

The witness told the FBI Lakanwal sent him photographs of three guns he wanted, including a Draco AK-47 style pistol. But the document shows the witness gave Lakanwal a .357 revolver that had been stolen from a home in Seattle, Washington in May of 2023.

The affidavit says when Lakanwal saw the gun he said “only 5 rounds?” The court filing also says family members told the FBI “Lakanwal had not been employed for approximately two months prior to the shooting.”

Court appearance details

Ramanullah Lakanwal is still recovering from being shot that day and entered the courtroom in a wheelchair.

He appeared to be wincing in pain and never opened his eyes instead looking down, listening to the interpreter

The November 26 shooting

On November 26th, National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe were both on patrol near the Farragut West Metro station when Lakanwal walked up and opened fire. Beckstrom was killed after being shot in the back of the head.

Two weeks ago, the West Virginia National Guard said Wolfe is still recovering and making extraordinary progress. The FBI says Lakanwal drove his Toyota Prius across country in the days before the attack and parked it near 12th and Constitution.

The affidavit makes no mention of a motive. He was due back in court on January 15th for a detention and preliminary hearing, but that has been postponed until January 28th.