District Judge Amit Mehta has approved a court order allowing nonconsensual medical care for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House last November. Lakanwal, who is currently hospitalized and has been in custody since the shooting, stopped eating and is now receiving treatment under the court’s authorization. The Justice Department requested the order after officials became concerned that Lakanwal’s refusal to eat posed a serious threat to his life. According to the judge’s ruling, medical staff may use nasogastric tubes, intravenous feeding, or existing gastrostomy tubes to ensure Lakanwal receives adequate nutrition and care. The order is set to expire on October 28, though the Justice Department may request an extension if needed.
Lakanwal was shot during a confrontation and appeared in court from a hospital bed last year, according to The Boston Globe. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and 16 other charges related to the November shooting that killed Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounded Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, according to a report from The Hill. Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries on Thanksgiving Day, while Wolfe is recovering after undergoing skull reconstructive surgery. The two National Guard members were part of a federal law-enforcement operation launched by President Donald Trump’s administration in the summer of 2025. Lakanwal’s defense attorneys have said they will oppose the government’s request for involuntary feeding and have not yet provided details about his current medical status.
The Justice Department has not announced whether it will seek the death penalty in the case, and Lakanwal’s lawyers have expressed concern about access to his medical records during that consideration. The order is meant to preserve Lakanwal’s life and prevent further deterioration until he can safely take food and liquid by mouth.
Lakanwal remains in custody and has not been released pending trial or further legal proceedings.
IMAGE: UteFriesen / Pixabay