US Judge Allows Involuntary Feeding of Jailed Suspect in Deadly National Guard Shooting

A US federal judge has authorized involuntary feeding of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a man jailed on charges of shooting two National Guard troops near the White House, killing one. The emergency order was issued on Saturday by US District Judge Amit Mehta, allowing Federal Bureau of Prisons medical staff to administer nutrition intravenously or through a medical tube to save Lakanwal's life. Lakanwal was hospitalized in July after he stopped eating. The court filings, which are redacted, do not specify the reason for his refusal, but prosecutors noted that courts have upheld involuntary feeding of hunger-striking prisoners. Justice Department lawyers requested the emergency measure, stating that Lakanwal has medical capacity to make health decisions but is refusing life-sustaining nutrition. Lakanwal's lawyers opposed the request, noting he has consumed some food like apple sauce while hospitalized but has been 'adamant at times' about not eating. They argued that the government did not indicate his condition was dire enough to require court intervention. The case highlights legal and ethical issues surrounding forced medical treatment for detainees.