Jeanine Pirro announces first-degree murder charge against Rahmanullah Lakanwal after National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom dies in DC shooting.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro delivered a bombshell update on November 28, 2025, confirming that Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal will face first-degree murder charges following the death of 20-year-old National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. The announcement came during a fiery Fox & Friends appearance, where Pirro didn’t hold back, stating the young soldier’s blood is on the hands of those who supported unvetted migration from Afghanistan. This escalation in the high-profile case has thrust Jeanine Pirro murder charge announcement into the spotlight, amplifying national debates over immigration vetting and border security as of late 2025.
Pirro’s passionate delivery, combined with the tragic loss of life just blocks from the White House, has dominated headlines and social media. The former Fox News host and longtime Trump ally now leads prosecution in one of the administration’s most visible early cases. For anyone following the November 26 ambush that initially left two Guardsmen critically wounded, this upgrade marks a somber turning point.
The Announcement: Jeanine Pirro Breaks the News on Live TV
Appearing on Fox & Friends Friday morning, Jeanine Pirro confirmed charges against Lakanwal would be elevated to first-degree murder after Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries overnight. “There are certainly many more charges to come,” Pirro stated, emphasizing ongoing investigations into potential terrorism links.
Pirro went further in the segment shared widely online: “You idiots on the Left flew in 160,000 unvetted Afghans and third-world trash, and now a 20-year-old American hero is dead because of it. Her blood is on your hands—every single one of you open-border lunatics!” The clip exploded across X, racking up millions of views and propelling Pirro to trending status.
As U.S. Attorney for DC, Pirro personally oversees federal cases in the capital. Her appointment in Trump’s second term positioned her perfectly for high-profile prosecutions, and this case has become a defining moment early in her tenure.
Details of the DC Shooting and Victim Sarah Beckstrom
The attack occurred on November 26, 2025, when Lakanwal allegedly ambushed Beckstrom and fellow Guardsman Andrew Wolfe (24) while they walked in uniform near the White House. Both were shot multiple times in what authorities called a “brazen, targeted ambush.” Beckstrom, who had volunteered for holiday duty to let others spend time with family, died from her wounds, while Wolfe remains in critical condition.
Beckstrom’s father Gary spoke from her bedside before her passing, saying she had suffered a “mortal wound” with no chance of recovery. The 20-year-old from West Virginia represented the kind of selfless service Pirro highlighted in her remarks.
Lakanwal, 29, was arrested at the scene. He entered the U.S. in 2021 during the Afghanistan evacuation, worked with CIA-partner forces, and received asylum approval in April 2025. The case has intensified scrutiny of vetting processes from that period.
Jeanine Pirro Murder Charge: What It Means Legally
The upgrade to first-degree murder carries severe penalties in federal court, potentially including the death penalty—a step Attorney General Pam Bondi previously said she would pursue if either victim died. Pirro indicated additional charges are forthcoming as the terrorism investigation expands.
Federal prosecutors benefit from broader tools than local courts, including terrorism enhancements. As of 2025, such cases often involve multi-agency task forces examining motives, communications, and potential accomplices.
Pirro’s office coordinates with the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which took lead immediately after the shooting. More charges could include attempted murder for Wolfe, firearms violations, and hate crime enhancements if bias is proven.
Political Fallout and Trump’s Response
President Trump wasted no time linking the tragedy to immigration policy, announcing a permanent pause on migration from “third world countries” on November 28. He called the shooting “a crime against humanity” and vowed to reexamine every Afghan entrant from the 2021 evacuation.
The case has galvanized Republican calls for mass deportations and stricter vetting. CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed Lakanwal’s prior work with U.S. forces, adding complexity to the narrative of “vetted” allies turning violent.
Democrats have pushed back against politicization, while civil rights groups raise concerns about due process. As of November 2025, the incident has become a flashpoint in ongoing immigration debates.
Conclusion: Justice in Motion Under Jeanine Pirro
The Jeanine Pirro murder charge announcement against Rahmanullah Lakanwal transforms a tragic ambush into a federal capital case with profound implications. With one young hero lost and another fighting for life, Pirro’s aggressive prosecution signals the Trump administration’s hard line on crimes involving migrants.
This case will be closely watched through 2026 proceedings. Sarah Beckstrom’s sacrifice has already changed policy conversations—her memory demands accountability.
What do you think of Pirro’s handling of the case so far? Or how should immigration vetting change after this tragedy? Share your thoughts below.