US judge allows involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting

A US judge has authorized the involuntary feeding of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a man jailed on charges of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House, killing one. US District Judge Amit Mehta issued an emergency order on Saturday allowing Federal Bureau of Prisons medical staff to provide Lakanwal with nutrition and medical treatment against his will. Lakanwal was hospitalized in July after he stopped eating. While the specific reason for his refusal to eat has not been disclosed, prosecutors pointed out that courts have previously ruled that prison officials can involuntarily feed hunger-striking prisoners. The judge's order permits intravenous feeding or the use of a medical tube to preserve Lakanwal's life.

A federal judge has authorized the involuntary feeding and medical treatment of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is jailed on charges of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House, killing one. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta issued an emergency order allowing Bureau of Prisons medical staff to feed Lakanwal intravenously or via a tube to save his life, as he had stopped eating. Prosecutors requested the order, noting that courts permit involuntary feeding of hunger-striking prisoners. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges related to the November 2025 incident that killed Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounded Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. The order is effective until October 28 but can be renewed.