The Afghan man accused of killing a National Guard member near the White House in 2025 has been hospitalized after refusing food and water, raising concerns over his health and the ongoing legal process.
| PULSE POINTS |
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national accused of fatally shooting National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and wounding Guardsman Andrew Wolfe near the White House, has been hospitalized after refusing food and water. Federal prosecutors confirmed the hospitalization, citing concerns from the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) over Lakanwal’s deteriorating health due to prolonged refusal of nutrition. 📺 DETAIL: Court filings state the U.S. Marshals Service warned in June that Lakanwal’s hunger strike had placed him at risk of severe health complications and possibly death, prompting his hospitalization early Wednesday to preserve his life. During an emergency hearing Thursday, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta described Lakanwal’s condition as “dire” and “self-inflicted.” Lakanwal, 30, has pleaded not guilty to 17 federal charges, including first-degree murder, which carries the possibility of the death penalty. Prosecutors also said they were initially prevented from accessing his medical records because of a protective order, but the judge later ruled they were entitled to review them. Authorities allege Lakanwal drove from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to Washington, D.C., with a stolen .357 Smith & Wesson revolver before opening fire on National Guard members on November 26. Investigators say West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was fatally shot and Guardsman Andrew Wolfe suffered severe head injuries before two nearby Guardsmen subdued the suspect. Beckstrom died from her injuries on Thanksgiving. President Donald J. Trump posthumously awarded Beckstrom and honored Wolfe with the Purple Heart in February, and both have since received additional recognition for their service and sacrifice. 💬 KEY QUOTE: “The defendant’s condition is dire and self-inflicted,” said D.C. District Judge Amit Mehta during an emergency hearing. 🎯 IMPACT: The hospitalization raises questions about Lakanwal’s ability to stand trial and the legal process moving forward. 📺 FLASHBACK: The attack occurred on November 26, 2025, when Lakanwal allegedly shot two National Guard members near the White House using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. He was subdued at the scene by other Guardsmen, and the firearm was later confirmed as stolen from Seattle. |
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