WASHINGTON – A man accused of shooting two West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C., has been upgraded to a frist-degree murder charge in connection with the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, authorities announced Friday.The suspect,identified as Hasan Lakanwal,remains in custody as investigators continue to explore his motive and execute warrants in Washington state and elsewhere.
The shooting, which occurred in the nation’s capital on Tuesday, critically injured Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, who remains hospitalized in very critical condition. The incident has prompted an outpouring of grief and support for the victims and thier families, and raised questions about the safety of National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C. The upgraded charge against Lakanwal signals the seriousness with which prosecutors are approaching the case,and suggests they believe they have gathered considerable evidence linking him to Beckstrom’s death.
According to officials,Beckstrom and Wolfe were volunteering to assist with security in the capital when they were attacked. Fox News reported that Judge Jeanine Pirro stated there are “many charges to come” beyond the murder charge. Pirro expressed her condolences to Beckstrom’s family, noting she “volunteered to serve and ended up being shot ambush-style on the cold streets of washington, D.C.”
Investigators are actively pursuing Lakanwal’s motive, executing search warrants in Washington state, where he resided, and in other locations across the country. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. Friday, offering a prayer for Beckstrom and Wolfe.
“Some of you may have known her,” hegseth said of Beckstrom. “Obviously a beautiful human being and a great American willing to serve her country brutally targeted.” He also shared that he and his wife visited Wolfe Thursday night “to be there, lay hands on him, pray over him.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey ordered state flags to be flown at half-staff in honor of Beckstrom, stating, “Their courage and commitment to duty represent the very best of our state.”
