National Guard Shooting Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Federal Charges

Arraignment and Plea

• 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal was arraigned in federal court, appearing in an orange jumpsuit and using a wheelchair due to injuries sustained during his encounter with authorities.
• He pleaded not guilty to nine federal charges, including first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill while armed, and illegal possession of a firearm.

Allegations and Motive

• The complaint alleges that Lakanwal drove from his home in Washington State to Washington D.C. with the intent to purposely and with deliberate and premeditated malice shoot the guardsmen.
• The attack, which allegedly began on November 26th, resulted in the death of one DC National Guardsman and the wounding of another.

Pursuit of Death Penalty

• Prosecutors indicated they would be pursuing death eligible charges.
• This follows an earlier statement from Pam Bondi suggesting the Justice Department would seek the death penalty in this case.

Next Steps

• Lakanwal's next court appearance is scheduled for May 6th.
• The judge ordered Lakanwal to remain in pre-trial detention until the trial begins, which is expected to be some time away.