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Judge Orders Involuntary Feeding for Afghan Murder Suspect

9/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ordered involuntary feeding for Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
The emergency order, allowing tube or IV feeding, remains effective until at least Oct. 28.
Lakanwal was hospitalized in July after weeks refusing adequate nutrition.
He faces first-degree murder charges for killing Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Prosecutors say Lakanwal ambushed the soldiers near Farragut Square Metro, shouting “Allahu Akbar”.

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Story summary

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ordered involuntary feeding for Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
The emergency order, allowing tube or IV feeding, remains effective until at least Oct. 28.
Lakanwal was hospitalized in July after weeks refusing adequate nutrition.
He faces first-degree murder charges for killing Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
Prosecutors say Lakanwal ambushed the soldiers near Farragut Square Metro, shouting “Allahu Akbar”.