In a decisive move, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced on Thursday that prosecutors will pursue the death penalty for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the individual accused of a brutal attack on two National Guardsmen in Washington, D.C., just before Thanksgiving.
During an appearance on Fox News, Bondi expressed the administration's firm stance on the matter, stating, "I will tell you early, we will do everything in our power to seek the death penalty against that monster who should not have been in our country."
As reported by Breitbart, Bondi emphasized that the pursuit of the death penalty is contingent upon the condition of the victims, who are currently in critical condition following emergency surgery. The victims, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, both hail from West Virginia and were in the nation's capital at the time of the attack.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, particularly given the suspect's background.
According to Breitbart, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeannine Pirro provided further details about the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal. The 29-year-old Afghan national entered the United States under President Joe Bidens Operation Allies Welcome in September 2021, following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on the Guardsmen near the Farragut West Metro Station, a location just blocks from the White House, around 2:15 p.m. Eastern Time.
Pirro outlined the current charges against Lakanwal, which include three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. However, she noted that should either of the Guardsmen succumb to their injuries, Lakanwal will face first-degree murder charges. The gravity of the situation is underscored by Beckstrom's father's somber revelation to the New York Times: "She has a mortal wound. Its not going to be a recovery."
The attack occurred less than a day after the two soldiers were sworn in, adding a poignant layer to the tragedy. In response to the violence, President Donald Trump addressed the nation, condemning the act as "an act of evil and act of hatred and an act of terror." He further stated, "It was a crime against our entire nation. It was a crime against humanity. Americans tonight are with those two West Virginian National Guard and their families."
This incident has reignited discussions on national security and immigration policies, highlighting the need for stringent measures to protect American citizens.
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