Federal Judge Orders Force-Feeding of D.C. Shooting Suspect

A federal judge has directed that Rahmanullah Lakanwal be force-fed and receive medical treatment after his ongoing refusal to eat or drink while in custody. Lakanwal is accused of fatally shooting a National Guard member and severely injuring another in Washington, D.C. last year.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta issued the court order on Saturday, highlighting the necessity of force-feeding to preserve Lakanwal’s life or prevent a foreseeable decline in his health. The order mandates that this treatment continue until Lakanwal exhibits adequate oral intake and acceptance of medical care, thereby removing any imminent threat to his life.

According to court filings, the Justice Department moved Lakanwal to a hospital in D.C. on an emergency basis on July 9. This step became necessary after Lakanwal stopped eating in June while awaiting trial. Judge Mehta’s order will remain in effect until October 28.

“Until adequate oral intake of food and liquid and adequate acceptance of medical treatment is achieved and defendant’s life is no longer threatened,”

Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. with humanitarian parole in 2021, faces multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder. He allegedly ambushed Army SPC Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe several blocks from the White House. Beckstrom died, and Wolfe was critically injured. Lakanwal was also charged with attempting to kill two other service members who subdued him during the attack.

Both Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed as part of a West Virginia National Guard anti-crime operation in D.C. last year. The motive behind Lakanwal’s refusal of food and medical care remains unclear, as his legal team hasn’t commented on the situation.

Lakanwal faces multiple federal charges, including murder while aiding an officer of the United States, and discharging a firearm during a violent crime causing death, both of which hold potential for a death penalty. Additionally, he is charged under D.C. law with first-degree murder, assault, and firearm possession. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges, and the Justice Department is deliberating whether to pursue the death penalty.