Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House, has been hospitalized after refusing to eat food while in pretrial custody. Prosecutors revealed in a court filing Thursday that Lakanwal was rushed to George Washington University Hospital overnight for life-saving medical treatment due to his refusal to consume adequate nutrition.
Core Facts and Immediate Action
Lakanwal, an Afghan national, is accused of ambushing and shooting two National Guard members—Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe—near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C., on November 26, 2025. Beckstrom died from her injuries, while Wolfe survived. Lakanwal faces a 17-count indictment, including murder and firearm charges, and is eligible for the death penalty.
Deteriorating Health and Legal Proceedings
U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta convened an emergency hearing Thursday after learning of Lakanwal's critical condition. Prosecutors noted that the U.S. Marshals Service had raised concerns about his health two weeks prior due to his prolonged refusal to eat. The judge allowed prosecutors to access Lakanwal's medical records to determine the next steps in the case.
Background and Context
Lakanwal, 30, previously worked for the CIA in Afghanistan before entering the U.S. under the Biden administration following the U.S. military withdrawal in 2021. He drove from Bellingham, Washington, to D.C. with a stolen gun before carrying out the attack. Former President Donald Trump has criticized the Biden administration for admitting Afghans without proper vetting.
Legal and Political Implications
The case has drawn attention to the vetting process for Afghan evacuees and the broader debate over immigration policies. Prosecutors have described the attack as a "major offense against the United States," while defense attorneys have not publicly commented on Lakanwal's refusal to eat.
Medical and Ethical Considerations
Courts have ruled that prison officials can involuntarily feed hunger-striking prisoners to preserve their lives. Lakanwal's condition has been described as "dire," with attorneys and prosecutors emphasizing the urgency of his medical treatment.