Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 24-year-old Afghan national, pleaded not guilty today, February 4, 2026, to federal charges stemming from the January 14, 2026, shooting of two U.S. National Guard members near the White House grounds.
The brief arraignment took place before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Lakanwal, who appeared in court via video from the D.C. jail, spoke softly through an interpreter when entering his plea.
Incident: On January 14, 2026, at approximately 2:17 a.m., Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on two National Guard members stationed at a security checkpoint near 17th Street NW and Pennsylvania Avenue. Both soldiers were shot multiple times; one remains in critical condition at MedStar Washington Hospital Center, while the other is in stable condition.
Charges: Lakanwal faces multiple federal counts, including:
Attempted murder of federal officers
Use of a firearm during a crime of violence
Assault on federal officers with a deadly weapon
Unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien
Death Penalty Notice: The U.S. Department of Justice filed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty if Lakanwal is convicted, citing the premeditated nature of the attack, the targeting of uniformed federal officers, and the political symbolism of the location near the White House.
Background: Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under humanitarian parole as part of the Afghan evacuation following the Taliban takeover. He had been living in Virginia and had no prior criminal record in the U.S.
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U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves: “This was a deliberate and violent attack on those sworn to protect the nation’s capital. We will pursue justice to the fullest extent of the law.”
Defense Attorney (public defender appointed): Declined to comment outside court but indicated the defense would challenge the death penalty notice and seek a change of venue due to extensive pretrial publicity.
The case has drawn intense national attention, renewed debate over Afghan parolees, security near federal landmarks, and the use of the federal death penalty.
Lakanwal remains in federal custody without bond. The next court date is scheduled for February 18, 2026, for a status conference and possible bail review.
By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi
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