The man accused of killing one National Guard soldier and wounding another the day before Thanksgiving made his first appearance in federal court Monday.
Ramanullah Lakanwal is facing five charges, including first degree premeditated murder while armed and assault to kill while armed.
About a month before the shooting, a witness told the FBI Lakanwal was looking for a gun, according to a criminal complaint filed in federal court. The witness told police Lakanwal was driving for Lyft and Uber and wanted a firearm for personal protection, according to the affidavit.
The witness told the FBI Lakanwal allegedly sent him photographs of three guns he wanted, including a Draco AK-47-style pistol. But the document shows the witness gave Lakanwal a .357 revolver that had been stolen from a home in Seattle, Washington in May of 2023.
The affidavit says when Lakanwal saw the gun, he said, “only five rounds?”
The court filing also says family members told the FBI, “Lakanwal had not been employed for approximately two months prior to the shooting.”
Lakanawal is still recovering from being shot that day and entered the courtroom in a wheelchair. He appeared to be wincing in pain and never opened his eyes, instead looking down listening to the interpreter.
On Nov. 26, National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe were both on patrol near the Farragut West Metro station when Lakanwal suddenly walked up and opened fire.
Beckstrom was killed after being shot in the back of the head. Two weeks ago, the West Virginia National Guard said Wolfe is still recovering and making extraordinary progress.
The FBI says Lakanwal drove his Toyota Prius across the country in the days before the attack and parked it near 12th Street and Constitution Avenue.
The affidavit makes no mention of a motive.
He is due back in court Jan. 15 for a detention and preliminary hearing.