National Guard Shooting Accused Spent Weeks Isolated in Room, Case Worker's Email Said.
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The man accused of firing upon two National Guard members in Washington DC last week had reportedly passed extended periods alone in a dark room and suffered from "manic episodes," according to notes documented in 2024 by a support worker who assisted the suspect's family.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of perpetrating an "surprise attack" that took the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously injured Andrew Wolf, 24.
Authorities stated the man in his late twenties came to the US in 2021 as part of a initiative for individuals from Afghanistan who had worked with American troops in Afghanistan.
Emerging Details on Mental Health
According to emails from last year, Mr. Lakanwal struggled with his mental health.
In a separate message sent on 31 January 2024, the worker said Mr. Lakanwal "passes the majority of his days for weeks on end in his darkened room, refusing to talk to a soul, including his spouse and children."
The case worker, who was not a mental health professional, also added Mr. Lakanwal had "hyperactive periods for one or two weeks at a time where he would take off in the family car." They also described he had periods in which he would try to "make amends."
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Background and Recent Events
Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, came to the US via the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome. This was during the period after the disorderly US military exit from Afghanistan.
He sought refugee status in 2024, and his application was granted recently.
He lived with his wife and five children in a city in Washington state.
"World Relief workers are attempting to assist for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he refuses to speak with anyone," a section of an earlier communication reads.
Last week, a longtime acquaintance told a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with psychological challenges after his work with his unit in Afghanistan.
Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a member of a "Zero Unit" - an Afghan intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a US intelligence agency.
Government Response and Charges
In the aftermath of the attack in the capital, the administration pledged to "halt migration" from certain countries.
The government has paused all asylum decisions "until we can ensure that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the maximum degree possible," a senior official said.
Mr. Lakanwal, who was injured during the incident and remains in hospital, is facing homicide accusations.
