Judge orders National Guard shooting suspect to be force-fed
Summary
A judge ordered Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is accused of killing a National Guard member and injuring another in Washington, D.C., to be force-fed because he has refused to eat or drink while in custody. The judge wants to keep him alive until he is able to eat and accept medical treatment.Key Facts
- Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of killing Army SPC Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounding Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe in November 2024 near the White House.
- Beckstrom and Wolfe were part of the West Virginia National Guard on an anti-crime mission in D.C.
- Lakanwal has refused to eat or sometimes drink water since June 2025 while awaiting trial.
- A federal judge ordered force-feeding and medical treatment to prevent Lakanwal’s death or worsening condition.
- Lakanwal was moved to a hospital on July 9, 2025, for emergency medical care.
- He is charged with multiple federal and D.C. crimes including murder, attempted murder, and firearm offenses.
- The Justice Department is reviewing whether to seek the death penalty in this case.
- Lakanwal has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
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