D.C. National Guard Shooting Suspect Pleads Not Guilty in First Court Hearing
NeutralU.S News

- Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, pleaded not guilty to multiple charges, including first-degree murder, during his first court appearance via video from a hospital bed. The charges stem from a shooting incident on November 26, 2025, near the White House, which critically injured two members of the West Virginia National Guard.
- This development is significant as it marks the initial legal proceedings against Lakanwal, who is accused of a violent act that has raised concerns about security and the implications of his background, including alleged ties to the CIA.
- The incident has sparked discussions about the safety of military personnel in urban areas, the potential for radicalization among individuals entering the U.S., and the broader implications of national security in relation to foreign nationals, particularly those with military backgrounds.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System
