US Prosecutors Seek Death Penalty for Man Accused of Shooting Near White House
The United States Department of Justice announced that federal prosecutors intend to seek the death penalty in the case of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two members of the US National Guard near the White House, an incident that resulted in the death of one of the victims.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal appeared in federal court this week but pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including first-degree murder. During the hearing, prosecutors told the judge that their legal pursuit could result in a death sentence.
According to information presented in court, Lakanwal had collaborated with US agencies in Afghanistan before immigrating to the United States in 2021. However, US justice officials emphasized that this background would not prevent the serious prosecution of the current charges.
He was arrested on suspicion of shooting two members of the US National Guard in an incident that left one service member dead. The next court hearing for this case is scheduled for May of this year.
