Judge Orders Force-Feeding for D.C. Shooting Suspect

A U.S. District Judge has mandated force-feeding for a suspect accused of killing a National Guard member in Washington, D.C., due to his refusal to eat or drink. Judge Amit Mehta instructed that Rahmanullah Lakanwal must receive medical treatment to prevent his condition from worsening to a point that could lead to death.

Lakanwal, who was transported to a hospital on July 9, began declining food and water in June while awaiting trial. Mehta’s ruling will be enforced until October 28, or until Lakanwal consumes adequate nutrition and accepts medical care.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, was granted humanitarian parole to enter the U.S. in 2021. He faces accusations of ambushing and killing Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom while critically injuring Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe near the White House last November. He is also charged with attempting to murder two other unnamed service members present during the attack.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were associated with the West Virginia National Guard, patrolling D.C. as part of an anti-crime initiative. Lakanwal’s motives for refusing food and medical intervention remain unclear, as his legal representatives have yet to provide a comment.

Lakanwal faces multiple federal charges, including death penalty-eligible offenses like murder involving a person aiding a U.S. officer, and firearm use resulting in death. Other charges include attempted murder, firearm violations, first-degree murder, assault, and gun possession under D.C. law. He has pleaded not guilty to all accusations.

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