Afghan suspect in Guard shooting hospitalized hunger strike

The Afghan national accused of killing a U.S. National Guard member near the White House last year has been hospitalized in Washington, D.C., after refusing food and water while in custody, raising immediate questions about his health and the future of his capital murder trial. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 30, was admitted to George Washington University Hospital early on July 8, 2026, after the U.S. Marshals Service warned his prolonged refusal of nutrition had created a dire risk of severe health consequences or death.

During an emergency hearing on July 9, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta described Lakanwal's condition as "dire and self-inflicted." Prosecutors stated they were initially prevented from accessing his medical records due to a protective order, but Judge Mehta ruled they were entitled to review records from the past 24 hours to determine next steps.

Lakanwal faces 17 federal charges, including first-degree murder, for an attack on November 26, 2025. Authorities allege he drove from his home in Bellingham, Washington, to Washington, D.C., with a stolen .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. He is accused of opening fire on National Guard members near the Farragut West Metro...