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Judge orders forced feeding of alleged National Guard shooter

Rahmanullah Lakanwal was hospitalized in July after refusing food and water while awaiting trial.

The short version

  • A judge has ordered the forced feeding of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., last fall.
  • Lakanwal has been hospitalized since July after refusing to eat or drink while awaiting trial.
  • The forced feeding order aims to preserve Lakanwal's health so that he can stand trial for the shooting.

Key facts

  • Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of shooting two National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., last fall, resulting in the death of one of them.[The Washington Post]
  • Lakanwal was admitted to a hospital in July after he stopped consuming food and water.[The Washington Post]
  • A judge has issued an order authorizing the forced feeding of Lakanwal against his will.[The Washington Post]

What remains uncertain

  • The specific medical details of Lakanwal's current health condition remain undisclosed in public court records, though his condition has reportedly deteriorated.[The Washington Post]

Sources