Federal Judge Orders Force-Feeding of Accused Shooter Awaiting Trial

A federal judge has mandated the force-feeding of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who stands accused of fatally shooting a National Guard member and critically injuring another in Washington, D.C., last year. The decision comes after Lakanwal refused to eat and sometimes drink water over several months while held in government custody.

On Saturday, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta issued a court order for Lakanwal to be forcibly fed to preserve his life or prevent deterioration of his health, potentially leading to death. The order stipulates that Lakanwal will undergo treatment until he accepts adequate oral intake of food and liquid, and receives medical care sufficient to remove the threat to his life.

Lakanwal was transferred to a D.C. hospital on an emergency basis on July 9, following his refusal to eat as he awaited trial starting in June. Judge Mehta’s order maintains its effect until October 28.

Lakanwal, an Afghan national given humanitarian parole to enter the U.S. in 2021, allegedly killed Army SPC Sarah Beckstrom and wounded Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe during an ambush-style attack near the White House last November. He also faces charges for attempting to kill two additional service members who subdued him at the incident’s location.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were part of the West Virginia National Guard, deployed in D.C. as part of an anti-crime operation. Details about Lakanwal’s refusal of food and medical care remain unclear, and his legal representation did not provide comments on the matter.

Lakanwal faces over a dozen federal charges, which include murder of a person assisting an officer of the United States and firearm-related charges during a violent crime causing death, each punishable by the death penalty. Additional charges entail attempted murder, firearm charges, first-degree murder, assault, and gun possession under D.C. law. He has pleaded not guilty to these charges.

The Justice Department is currently evaluating whether to pursue the death penalty in Lakanwal’s case.