Afghan National Transferred to Hospital After Refusing Food and Water

An Afghan man, Rahmanullah Lakhanwal, who faces charges for the shooting of a National Guardsman and other individuals near the White House last year, has been moved from prison to a hospital after he stopped eating and drinking, as noted in court records.

According to federal prosecutors, Lakhanwal was hospitalized around midnight Wednesday for what they described as “life-saving protection.” This development follows a June warning from the U.S. Security Service, which expressed concerns that he was not receiving “adequate nutrition for an extended period.” This situation raised alarms about the risk of long-term health issues or even death.

During an emergency hearing on Thursday morning, D.C. District Judge Amit Mehta characterized Lakhanwal’s condition as “dire” and “self-inflicted,” based on a transcript retrieved by officials.

Investigations into Possible Connections to Jihadi Groups

Lakhanwal, 30, is charged with the murder of Sarah Beckstrom, a National Guardsman from West Virginia, and the severe injury of another, Andrew Wolfe, during a violent incident last November. He faces a total of 17 charges, with first-degree murder being the most serious, which could result in the death penalty.

In recent court filings, prosecutors indicated to Judge Mehta that they became aware of a confidentiality order that had been placed concerning Lakhanwal’s medical treatment on June 16, 2026—the day he pleaded not guilty to the charges. The judge subsequently ruled that prosecutors have the right to access Lakhanwal’s medical records and treatment information while he is hospitalized.

Details of the Incident and Court Appearances

Lakhanwal made his initial court appearance last month, months following the shooting. At that time, he appeared in a wheelchair and wearing an orange prison jumpsuit.

According to court documents, Lakhanwal drove from Bellingham, Washington, to D.C. in a Toyota Prius while armed with a stolen firearm. He allegedly opened fire on the National Guard members, hitting Beckstrom and Wolfe in the head before being subdued by two nearby Guardsmen.

Authorities reportedly found a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver at the scene, which had been reported stolen in Seattle in 2023.

Beckstrom sadly passed away from her injuries on Thanksgiving Day, while Wolfe is in the process of recovering. Posthumously, Beckstrom received the West Virginia Medal of Merit, and Wolfe was granted the Freedom 250: Hometown Hero Award. Both received Purple Hearts from President Donald Trump in February.