U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta issued an emergency order permitting nonconsensual nutrition and medical treatment for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who faces charges in connection with a shooting incident near the White House. Lakanwal, an Afghan national residing in Bellingham, Washington, has been refusing to eat while in custody. Medical staff at the federal Bureau of Prisons have been authorized to provide nutrition through intravenous lines or medical tubes as necessary to sustain his life.
The defendant was hospitalized in July after ceasing food intake. While court documents do not specify the reason for his refusal to eat, prosecutors referenced precedent establishing that prison officials may involuntarily feed hunger-striking prisoners. Justice Department attorneys argued that Lakanwal possesses the mental capacity to make health-related decisions but is refusing necessary nutrition to sustain his life. The judge determined that emergency intervention was warranted based on the government’s request.
Lakanwal’s legal representatives opposed the measure, noting that he has consumed some food items such as applesauce during his hospitalization, though he has expressed resistance to eating at certain times. They contended that available medical records did not support the necessity of court-ordered intervention. The authorization for involuntary feeding expires October 28 but may be extended if renewed.
Lakanwal, who has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and additional charges, is accused of opening fire on National Guard members deployed to Washington as part of a law enforcement initiative in the capital. The November 2025 incident resulted in the death of West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, age 20, and critical injuries to Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, age 24. Both were stationed near a subway entrance three blocks from the White House when the shooting occurred. The Justice Department has not yet announced whether capital punishment will be pursued in the case.
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