A federal judge has approved emergency measures allowing prison medical staff to provide nutrition and treatment against the wishes of a jailed suspect accused in a deadly shooting involving National Guard troops in Washington, D.C.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who has been refusing food while in custody, can now receive nonconsensual nutrition and medical care under the court order. The decision was made after concerns were raised about his deteriorating health.
Judge Approves Emergency Medical Intervention
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta authorized medical personnel to provide life-saving nutrition to Lakanwal, including through intravenous methods or a feeding tube if necessary.
Lakanwal was hospitalized in July after refusing to eat while awaiting trial. Prosecutors argued that immediate medical intervention was necessary to protect his life.
Defense attorneys opposed the request, saying their client had consumed small amounts of food at certain times and arguing that his condition did not yet require court-ordered intervention.
The emergency order is set to remain in effect until October 28, although it could be extended if necessary.
Suspect Faces Charges in National Guard Shooting
Lakanwal, an Afghan national who previously lived in Bellingham, Washington, is accused of carrying out the November 2025 shooting near the White House.
According to prosecutors, two West Virginia National Guard members were shot during the incident. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was killed, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was critically injured.
Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges connected to the shooting.
Death Penalty Decision Still Pending
Federal prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will seek the death penalty in the case.
The legal proceedings are continuing as authorities address both the serious criminal charges against Lakanwal and concerns surrounding his health while in federal custody.
