Trending
WASHINGTON (AP) -- A man refusing to eat food while jailed on charges he shot two National Guard troops near the White House, killing one of them, can be fed against his will under a judge's emergency order.
U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta agreed on Saturday to order "nonconsensual" nutrition and medical treatment for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was rushed to a hospital in July after he stopped eating. Mehta said federal Bureau of Prisons medical staff can feed Lakanwal intravenously or through a medical tube to save his life.
Redacted court filings haven't specified a reason for Lakanwal's refusal to eat, but prosecutors noted that courts have held that prison officials can involuntary feed "hunger-striking prisoners."
Justice Department prosecutors asked Mehta to order the emergency life-saving measures for Lakanwal. Their written request wasn't immediately made public in online court records.
Defense attorney Shelli Peterson declined to elaborate Monday on Lakanwal's medical condition and care.