Prosecutors cited prior rulings on feeding hunger-striking prisoners
A federal judge on Saturday ordered the involuntary feeding of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man charged with shooting two National Guard troops near the White House and killing one of them, after he stopped eating in custody and was hospitalized in July. U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta’s emergency order allows Bureau of Prisons medical staff to deliver nutrition intravenously or through a medical tube to save Lakanwal’s life, even without his consent.
The order permits what court records describe as “nonconsensual” nutrition and medical treatment for Lakanwal. Under its terms, medical staff may feed Lakanwal over his objection to save his life.
Lakanwal was rushed to a hospital in July after he stopped eating in custody, according to court filings.
The criminal case against Lakanwal stems from a shooting of two National Guard troops near the White House that left one troop dead. Lakanwal remains jailed on the charges.
Redacted court filings in the case have not specified a reason for Lakanwal’s refusal to eat.
Justice Department prosecutors asked Mehta to issue the emergency order, citing prior rulings that have allowed prison officials to involuntarily feed “hunger-striking prisoners.” Prosecutors noted that the legal precedent permits force-feeding to preserve life in custody settings.
The prosecutors’ written request was not immediately made public in online court records.
Lakanwal’s criminal case continues separately from the medical order.