National Guard shooting suspect pleads not guilty to murder

National Guard shooting suspect pleads not guilty

The man accused of shooting 2 National Guard members in DC has plead guilty.

WASHINGTON - The man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., last week has been formally charged with murder, among other charges.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal charged with murder

What we know:

Rahmanullah Lakanwal was charged on Tuesday with first-degree murder for the killing of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and assault with intent to kill for the shooting of Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe in addition to two weapons charges.

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Photo of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, as seen at a Thursday morning press conference.

According to FOX News, Lakanwal’s lawyer told the judge that his client pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The backstory:

The shooting happened on Nov. 26, near the intersection of 17th Street and I Street Northwest. 

According to the complaint, Beckstrom and Wolfe were on patrol when they met up with two other National Guard members. The gunshots started around 2:15 p.m. One of the national guard members reportedly saw Lakanwal shooting while screaming.

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One of the other two National Guard members started shooting back, hitting Lakanwal. While Lakanwal was on the ground and trying to reload his gun, the other National Guard member tackled him.

Investigators found security footage from the scene of the shooting, which they say shows Lakanwal running toward the intersection and shooting at the National Guard members.

Soldier dies on Thanksgiving Day

Paramedics took both Beckstrom and Wolfe to the hospital in critical condition.

National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom dead after DC shooting: Latest updates

President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday that Sarah Beckstrom, one of the two National Guard members who were shot during what authorities are calling an ambush, has died. The other guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, is still "fighting for his life," the president said during a Thanksgiving holiday call with service members on Thursday.

The next day, Beckstrom died from her injuries. The coroner ruled she died from a gunshot to the back of the head.

What they're saying:

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the charges against Lakanwal.

"The people of West Virginia appreciate the swift action taken by the Department of Justice, Attorney General Pam Bondi, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, and federal and D.C. authorities as they pursue justice for Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and SSgt. Andrew Wolfe," the statement read. "Their work to hold this alleged terrorist accountable is an important step toward delivering justice."

What's next:

In a Fox News segment last week, Attorney General Pam Bondi called Lakanwal a "monster" and said she will be seeking the death penalty in the case.

In response to the shooting, on Tuesday, Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson said that all National Guard members deployed in Washington were now armed. National Guard members have been authorized to carry weapons in the District since August.