---
title: "Judge Authorizes Involuntary Feeding for Jailed National Guard Shooting Suspect"
publication: "MediaBias News"
url: "https://mediabias.news/politics/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-for-jailed-national-guard-shooting-suspect"
api: "https://mediabias.news/api/v1/stories/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-for-jailed-national-guard-shooting-suspect"
markdown: "https://mediabias.news/politics/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-for-jailed-national-guard-shooting-suspect.md"
audio: "https://mediabias.news/api/audio/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-for-jailed-national-guard-shooting-suspect"
category: "Politics"
area: "United States"
published: "2026-09-01T01:05:13.596Z"
source_reported: "2026-08-31T21:20:40.697Z"
updated: "2026-09-01T01:05:13.596Z"
trust_score: 42
critic_score: 65
hype_score: 20
assessment_type: "coverage-and-source-reporting-analysis"
fact_check_status: "not-performed"
coverage_measured: "2026-09-01T02:15:17.310969+00:00"
---

# Judge Authorizes Involuntary Feeding for Jailed National Guard Shooting Suspect

*Rahmanullah Lakanwal, accused in a deadly shooting, can be force-fed while hospitalized after refusing food.*

**Scores for the source reporting** (0-100, assessing the original journalism this article was written from, not this write-up): 

- Trust 42 of 100, higher is better. Central claim attributed to named body; two independent outlets quoted; one named source.
- Craft 65 of 100, higher is better. Facts kept separate from comment; specific figures, dates, places or names used; clear writing.
- Hype 20 of 100, lower is better. Language is measured and proportionate, with no sensationalism or loaded adjectives.

Scored by MediaBias News; method at https://mediabias.news/methodology.

**The short version**

- A federal judge has authorized involuntary feeding and medical treatment for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is jailed on charges of shooting two National Guard troops.
- Lakanwal was hospitalized in July after he stopped eating, and the judge's order allows medical staff to provide nutrition against his will.
- The shooting in November 2025 killed West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounded Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe.
- Lakanwal, an Afghan national, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.

U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta issued an emergency order allowing federal Bureau of Prisons medical staff to provide nonconsensual nutrition and medical treatment to Rahmanullah Lakanwal. Lakanwal is jailed on charges related to a November 2025 shooting that killed West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critically wounded Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. He was hospitalized in July after he stopped eating.

Prosecutors noted that courts have previously held that prison officials can involuntarily feed hunger-striking prisoners. The order authorizing involuntary feeding is set to expire on October 28 but can be renewed. Lakanwal, an Afghan national residing in Washington state, has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.

## Disagreement on Lakanwal's food consumption

The Hindustan Times reported that redacted court filings had not specified a reason for Lakanwal's refusal to eat. In contrast, The Independent reported that Lakanwal's attorneys stated he would oppose the government's request, noting he had consumed some food, such as applesauce, while hospitalized but had also been "adamant at times" that he did not want to eat.

## What the coverage left out

None of the right-rated digests mention the detail from The Independent (US) that Lakanwal's attorneys stated he had consumed some food, such as applesauce, while hospitalized, but had also been "adamant at times" that he did not want to eat.

## Who covered it

Shares of the 47 covering outlets with a published leaning rating:

- Left: 57% (27)
- Centre: 30% (14)
- Right: 13% (6)

2 of 49 covering outlets carried no usable leaning rating and were excluded from those percentages. Coverage measured 2026-09-01T02:15:17.310969+00:00.

**Coverage watch:** developing. Checked 7 times; 0 checks found a material change. Most recently checked 2026-09-01T02:45:15.313Z.

## How the sides framed it

### Left

- Reports from the left-rated outlets focused on the judge's authorization of involuntary feeding for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the National Guard shooting. Several outlets, including Missouri Independent, Kansas Reflector, Wisconsin Examiner, Utah News Dispatch, and Arkansas Advocate, used headlines stating the judge ruled the Justice Department can force-feed the defendant. These reports highlighted that Lakanwal has refused to eat for months while jailed. The Independent (US) and The Sun Chronicle noted that the order authorizing involuntary feeding expires Oct. 28 but can be renewed. The Independent (US) also included details about Lakanwal's attorneys' arguments that he had consumed some food, such as applesauce, but had also been "adamant at times" that he did not want to eat.

### Centre

- Centre-rated outlets primarily reported that a judge authorized involuntary feeding for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the deadly National Guard shooting. Hindustan Times and South China Morning Post led with the judge's authorization of involuntary feeding for the jailed suspect. The Hill reported that a federal judge authorized nonconsensual feeding for Lakanwal, an Afghan national accused of killing a National Guard member. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Record, Washington Top News, WBAL, WPLG, and WKMG all reported that a man refusing to eat food while jailed on charges he shot two National Guard troops near the White House can be fed against his will under a judge's emergency order. Hindustan Times also included that redacted court filings hadn't specified a reason for Lakanwal's refusal to eat.

### Right

- Right-rated outlets focused on the judge's order for the force-feeding of the suspect in the deadly National Guard shooting. Washington Examiner and Just the News used headlines stating a judge ordered force-feeding for the suspect. VINnews, MY Northwest, and The Batesville Daily Guard reported that a man refusing to eat food while jailed on charges he shot two National Guard troops near the White House can be fed against his will under a judge's emergency order. Washington Times also reported that a man refusing to eat food while jailed on charges he shot two National Guard troops near the White House can be fed against his will under a judge's emergency order.

**Provisional coverage gap:** right. The watch is not closed, so this is not yet a settled blindspot finding.

## Factuality profile of the covering outlets

These are published factuality ratings of the outlets, not a verdict on whether this story or its claims are true.

- low: 1
- mixed: 4
- high: 22
- unknown: 2
- veryHigh: 20

## Verification scope

This page compares coverage and scores the source reporting. It is not a ClaimReview verdict on whether the underlying event or claim is true.

## Original reporting this was written from

- [Missouri Independent](https://missouriindependent.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Washington Examiner](https://washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4706890/force-feeding-suspect-national-guard-shooting) — Judge orders force-feeding for suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [Kansas Reflector](https://kansasreflector.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [South China Morning Post](https://scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3365898/judge-authorises-involuntary-feeding-jailed-suspect-deadly-national-guard-shooting) — US judge allows involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in National Guard shooting
- [The Hill](https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/6061919-judge-authorizes-bop-force-feeding-rahmanullah-lakanwal) — Judge allows forced feeding of accused National Guard shooter
- [Wisconsin Examiner](https://wisconsinexaminer.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Pittsburgh Post-Gazette](https://post-gazette.com/news/crime-courts/2026/08/31/judge-involuntary-feeding-jailed-suspect-deadly-2025-national-guard-shooting/stories/202608310041) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [Washington Times](https://washingtontimes.com/news/2026/aug/31/rahmanullah-lakanwal-involuntarily-fed-detainment-national-guard) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [The Sun Chronicle](https://thesunchronicle.com/news/nation_world/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting/article_362fa1d5-fcc2-5140-bf30-02d5ed24fc21.html) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [PressNewsAgency](https://pressnewsagency.org/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [VINnews](https://vinnews.com/2026/08/31/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting) — Judge Authorizes Involuntary Feeding Of Jailed Suspect In Deadly National Guard Shooting
- [The Record](https://troyrecord.com/2026/08/31/national-guard-shooting-involuntary-feeding) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [Washington Top News](https://wtop.com/national/2026/08/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting – WTOP News
- [Hindustan Times](https://hindustantimes.com/world-news/us-news/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting-101788203184263.html) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [WBAL](https://wbal.com/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly Natio
- [The Independent](https://independent.co.uk/news/amit-mehta-national-guard-washington-white-house-bureau-of-prisons-b3042303.html) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [MY Northwest](https://mynorthwest.com/national/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting/4271115) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [WPLG](https://local10.com/news/national/2026/08/31/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [WKMG](https://clickorlando.com/news/national/2026/08/31/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [Bangor Daily News](https://bangordailynews.com/2026/08/31/nation/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [The Independent (US)](https://the-independent.com/news/amit-mehta-national-guard-washington-white-house-bureau-of-prisons-b3042303.html) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [Ottumwa Courier](https://ottumwacourier.com/news/national_news/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting/article_dc281c96-0483-5794-8bf6-5b8fb83a5686.html) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [WBOC 16](https://wboc.com/news/national/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting/article_1f5f6749-d2ca-54bd-844c-c4771ada7844.html) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [El Paso Inc.](https://elpasoinc.com/news/ap_wire/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting/article_8b5daedd-16f5-5794-a569-e71e1cd9bbee.html) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [The Batesville Daily Guard](https://guardonline.com/news/national/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting/article_40d96a93-e2dd-5b39-b1d1-43b60e1422aa.html) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [Utah News Dispatch](https://utahnewsdispatch.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [arkansasadvocate.com](https://arkansasadvocate.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [westvirginiawatch.com](https://westvirginiawatch.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting • West Virginia Watch
- [CBS News](https://cbsnews.com/news/judge-national-guard-shooting-suspect-force-feeding) — Judge orders National Guard shooting suspect to be force-fed amid months-long hunger strike
- [Maryland Matters](https://marylandmatters.org/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-government-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules government can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Ohio Capital Journal](https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Colorado Newsline](https://coloradonewsline.com/2026/08/31/repub/justice-can-force-feed-defendant) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Michigan Advance](https://michiganadvance.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Florida Phoenix](https://floridaphoenix.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [New Hampshire Bulletin](https://newhampshirebulletin.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Idaho Capital Sun](https://idahocapitalsun.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [The Washington Post](https://washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/08/31/judge-orders-forced-feeding-alleged-national-guard-shooter) — Judge orders forced feeding of alleged National Guard shooter
- [Nebraska Examiner](https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Iowa Capital Dispatch](https://iowacapitaldispatch.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Minnesota Reformer](https://minnesotareformer.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Source New Mexico](https://sourcenm.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Louisiana Illuminator](https://lailluminator.com/2026/08/31/repub/national-guard-shooting-5) — Judge rules Justice Dept. can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [alabamareflector.com](https://alabamareflector.com/2026/08/31/repub/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting
- [Just the News](https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/judge-orders-force-feeding-accused-national-guard-shooter) — Judge orders force-feeding of accused National Guard shooter
- [NBC Washington](https://nbcwashington.com/news/local/judge-feeding-suspect-national-guard-shooting/4148481) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of suspect in fatal National Guard shooting
- [The Hamilton Spectator](https://thespec.com/news/world/united-states/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting/article_53b8bb32-bc3f-52ee-b9a8-ad3a109854a6.html) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [The Columbian](https://columbian.com/news/2026/aug/31/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [Winnipeg Free Press](https://winnipegfreepress.com/world/2026/08/31/judge-authorizes-involuntary-feeding-of-jailed-suspect-in-deadly-national-guard-shooting) — Judge authorizes involuntary feeding of jailed suspect in deadly National Guard shooting
- [nowgeorgia.com](https://nowgeorgia.com/judge-rules-justice-department-can-force-feed-defendant-in-national-guard-shooting) — Judge rules Justice Department can force-feed defendant in National Guard shooting - Now Georgia

## Questions

**What is Rahmanullah Lakanwal accused of?**

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of shooting two National Guard troops in November 2025. The incident resulted in the death of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and critical injury to Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. He has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder charges.

**Why is Lakanwal being force-fed?**

Lakanwal was hospitalized in July after he stopped eating. A federal judge authorized involuntary feeding and medical treatment because he was refusing nutrition necessary to sustain his life while jailed.

**When does the order for involuntary feeding expire?**

The order authorizing involuntary feeding and medical treatment for Rahmanullah Lakanwal is set to expire on October 28. The court has the ability to renew the order if necessary.

---

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