WASHINGTON, D.C.: Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the 29-year-old Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House, pleaded not guilty on December 2 to murder and assault charges during his first hearing before a judge.

Appearing via video from a hospital bed, Lakanwal said through an interpreter that he was in pain and couldn't open his eyes. A court-appointed defense attorney entered his plea on his behalf during the brief hearing in Washington, D.C.

Lakanwal is charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill, and illegal possession of a firearm. The shooting resulted in the death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and the wounding of Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24.

According to a police report filed in court, Beckstrom and Wolfe fell to the ground as Lakanwal fired and yelled, "Allahu Akbar!" He then chased and shot at another Guard member before troops detained him as he tried to reload his weapon.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were part of the West Virginia National Guard and had been deployed for President Donald Trump's law-enforcement surge in the nation's capital since August.

Authorities were investigating a possible motive for what they described as an ambush-style attack.

A prosecutor, Ariel Dean, described the shooting as a "shocking crime" and said it appeared that Lakanwal "traversed the city to some extent" before approaching the troops and shooting them.

Judge Raymond ordered Lakanwal held without bond, citing the "sheer terror that resulted" from his actions. She described the government's case against him as "exceedingly strong." The case is scheduled to return to court on January 14.

Defense attorney Terrence Austin noted that Lakanwal had no prior criminal record.

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said Lakanwal will be taken to a correctional facility where he will be treated once he is well enough to leave the hospital. He could face additional charges in federal court as the investigation continues, Pirro added.

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi will ultimately decide whether to seek the death penalty in the case.

Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that resettled Afghans after the U.S. withdrawal, officials said. He had applied for asylum during the Biden administration, but the Trump administration approved it, #AfghanEvac said in a statement.

Calling the shooting a "terrorist attack," President Donald Trump criticized the Biden administration for enabling Afghans who worked with U.S. forces during the Afghanistan War to enter the U.S.