Afghan national from Bellingham pleads not guilty to National Guard shooting

News

This photo provided by U.S. Attorney’s Office shows Rahmanullah Lakanwal on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. (U.S. Attorney’s Office via AP) Photo: Associated Press

WASHINGTON, D.C. (MyBellinghamNow.com) – The Bellingham man accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House has pleaded not guilty.

CBS News reports that 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday, Feb. 5 in Washington D.C.

He faces nine federal charges, including first-degree murder.

According to the Associated Press, Lakanwal worked in the Afghan army before moving to Bellingham with his wife and their five sons.

Prosecutors claim he drove across the country in order to carry out the shooting on Nov. 26.

A National Guard solider was killed and another was injured in the attack.

Lakanwal was shot as well during the incident and remains in a wheelchair.

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