Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting

A man accused of killing a National Guard soldier and critically injuring another near the White House can be forced to eat while in custody, according to an emergency judge's order. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, allegedly ambushed two West Virginia National Guard troops outside a Washington subway station on November 2025. One of the victims, Spc.

Sarah Beckstrom, died as a result of the attack. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and other charges. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta authorized the involuntary feeding and medical treatment for Lakanwal, who stopped eating in July. The order allows federal Bureau of Prisons staff to administer food through intravenous or tube feeding to save Lakanwal's life.

The judge's decision is based on a precedent that prison officials can forcibly feed hunger-striking inmates. The order's expiration date is October 28, but it can be extended.