An Afghan national, who police say gunned down two National Guard members near the White House, now faces a first degree murder charge. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was originally charged with assault and weapons possession. However, Jeanine Pirro, the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia, has announced that the charges have been upgraded to first degree murder, upon receiving the news that U.S. Army Specialist, Sarah Beckstrom, had died from wounds suffered in the shooting. The alleged gunman had previously worked with the U.S. Military and CIA-backed forces in Afghanistan. Mr. Rahmanullah had been granted asylum this year, which allowed him to enter country. Ms. Pirro also announced that the case would be investigated for possible terrorism charges. The second soldier, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
What is a RICO charge?
The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act is a federal law enacted to combat organized criminal activity. While it originally targeted traditional organized crime, prosecutors now use it for many different cases including when they believe...
