A federal judge has authorized nonconsensual nutrition and medical treatment for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect accused of fatally shooting a National Guard member and critically injuring another in Washington, D.C., last year. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta issued the emergency order on Saturday, allowing medical staff to feed Lakanwal intravenously or through a tube to preserve his life amid his refusal to eat while in custody.
The order, which remains in effect until October 28, permits federal Bureau of Prisons medical staff to administer treatment until Lakanwal’s condition stabilizes. Prosecutors had petitioned the court to intervene, arguing that Lakanwal’s refusal to eat posed a threat to his life. Defense attorneys opposed the government’s request, stating that Lakanwal had consumed some food at times but had been adamant in his refusal at other points.
Core Facts of the Case
Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who entered the U.S. under humanitarian parole in 2021, is accused of ambushing West Virginia Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe outside a subway station near the White House on November 26, 2025. Beckstrom was killed, and Wolfe was critically wounded. Lakanwal was shot during the confrontation and made his initial court appearance from a hospital bed.
He faces 17 federal charges, including murder of a person assisting a federal officer, attempted murder, and discharge of a firearm causing death. The charges are eligible for the death penalty. Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty to all counts. The U.S. Marshals Service has custody of Lakanwal during pretrial proceedings, and the Department of Justice has not yet announced whether it will seek the death penalty.
Medical and Legal Context
Lakanwal was hospitalized in July 2026 after refusing to eat and drink water for an extended period. Prosecutors argued in court filings that courts have previously upheld the authority of prison officials to involuntarily feed hunger-striking prisoners to preserve life. Defense attorney Shelli Peterson declined to elaborate on Lakanwal’s medical condition or care, stating that the specifics were not immediately available.
The judge’s order does not specify a reason for Lakanwal’s refusal to eat, and his attorneys have not publicly detailed his motivations. The Justice Department has not indicated that Lakanwal’s condition was dire enough to require intervention prior to the court’s ruling. The order can be renewed after October 28 if necessary.
Background on the Incident
Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, were deployed to Washington as part of a law-enforcement surge in the nation’s capital. According to a police report, another National Guard member heard gunshots and saw Beckstrom and Wolfe fall to the ground as Lakanwal fired his weapon and allegedly shouted, “Allahu Akbar!” Lakanwal was subdued by other service members at the scene.
Lakanwal’s case has drawn attention amid broader debates over hunger strikes in custody and the limits of medical intervention in legal proceedings. The Department of Justice continues to review whether to pursue the death penalty, a decision described by officials as a weighty one requiring careful consideration.