National Guard Shooting Accused Was Isolated for Weeks Isolated in Bedroom, Case Worker's Message Indicated.
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The man alleged to have carried out shooting two National Guard members in the nation's capital last week had according to accounts spent weeks at a time in solitude in a dimly lit room and suffered from "periods of mania," according to notes documented in 2024 by a support worker who assisted the individual's family.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with carrying out an "surprise attack" that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.
Officials stated the man in his late twenties entered the US in 2021 as part of a initiative for Afghans who had worked with American troops in Afghanistan.
Emerging Details on Psychological State
According to electronic correspondence from last year, Mr. Lakanwal faced challenges with his psychological well-being.
In a separate message sent on 31 January 2024, the case worker said Mr. Lakanwal "passes most of his time for weeks on end in his darkened bedroom, not speaking to anyone, not even his wife and older kids."
The individual, 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 drive away 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 Developments
Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the US as part of the recent resettlement program. This was during the period after the disorderly US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
He sought refugee status in 2024, and his application was granted earlier this year.
He resided with his family in Bellingham, Washington.
"World Relief volunteers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he won't talk to anyone," a section of an earlier email states.
Last week, a longtime acquaintance told a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with mental health issues after his service with his unit in Afghanistan.
Mr. Lakanwal had reportedly been a part of a "special unit" - an local intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a American spy agency.
Government Reaction and Legal Proceedings
In the aftermath of the shooting in Washington DC, the President pledged to "permanently pause migration" from certain countries.
The administration has halted all asylum decisions "until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible," a director said.
Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot in the event and is still hospitalized, is facing murder charges.
