U.S. prosecutors seek death penalty for Afghan former commando in Washington shooting case

U.S. prosecutors are pursuing the death penalty for a former Afghan commando accused of a fatal shooting in Washington, D.C. According to federal prosecutors, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, is charged with the killing of a National Guard soldier and the serious wounding of another in November 2025. He has appeared in court and pleaded not guilty to 17 charges, including premeditated murder, attempted murder, and weapons-related offenses. Prosecutors say he could face capital punishment if convicted of murder. In the incident, a 20-year-old National Guard soldier was killed and another was critically injured. Authorities say the attack was carried out using a stolen firearm after the suspect traveled from Washington state to Washington, D.C. Police said two National Guard members at the scene subdued him after the shooting. The case has sparked renewed debate in the United States over vetting procedures for Afghan refugees and migrants following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021.