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

A federal judge has mandated that the suspect involved in the fatal shooting of a National Guard member in Washington, D.C., last year be force-fed and receive medical treatment due to his ongoing refusal to eat and occasionally drink water while imprisoned. The order, issued on Saturday by U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta, aims to preserve the life of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, or prevent deterioration of his condition that could lead to death.

Judge Mehta’s directive specifies that Lakanwal will remain subjected to this treatment until he resumes sufficient intake of food and liquids, along with acceptance of necessary medical treatment, ensuring his life is no longer at risk. The court filings reveal that Lakanwal was brought to a D.C. hospital on July 9 for critical medical care after he began rejecting food in June while awaiting trial.

The order is set to be effective until October 28. Lakanwal, an Afghan national granted humanitarian parole to enter the United States in 2021, faces accusations of killing Army SPC Sarah Beckstrom and severely injuring Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe in an ambush style attack near the White House last November. Additionally, Lakanwal is charged with attempted murder of two unnamed service members who managed to subdue him during the incident.

Both Beckstrom and Wolfe were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard in D.C. as part of an anti-crime operation at the time of the attack. The motives behind Lakanwal’s refusal to eat and accept medical attention remain unconfirmed, with his legal representatives yet to comment on the matter.

Lakanwal is facing numerous federal charges related to the attack, including murder of a person assisting a U.S. officer and firing a weapon during a violent crime causing death—both leading to possible capital punishment. He is also charged with attempted murder, firearm violations, murder, assault, and gun possession under D.C. law, having pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

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