Military Attack Accused Spent Weeks Isolated in Room, Case Worker's Email Said.

Image Source

The individual accused of firing upon two National Guard members in Washington DC recently had according to accounts passed extended periods alone in a dimly lit room and experienced "periods of mania," according to comments documented in 2024 by a case worker that helped the suspect's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with carrying out an "surprise attack" that took the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.

Officials said the man in his late twenties came to the US in 2021 under a initiative for individuals from Afghanistan who had worked with American troops in Afghanistan.

Emerging Details on Psychological State

Based on electronic correspondence from last year, Mr. Lakanwal faced challenges with his mental health.

In a different message dated on 31 January 2024, the worker said Mr. Lakanwal "spends most of his time for weeks on end in his blacked-out room, not speaking to anyone, not even his spouse and children."

The case worker, who was not a mental health professional, also added Mr. Lakanwal had "manic episodes for a week or two at a time where he would drive away in the family car." They also described he had times in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."

Image Source

Background and Recent Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, came to the US as part of the recent resettlement program. This was during the period after the disorderly US military exit from Afghanistan.

He sought asylum in 2024, and his application was approved recently.

He lived with his wife and five children in Bellingham, Washington.

"Aid group 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," one part of an previous communication states.

Last week, a childhood friend told a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with psychological challenges after his service with his unit in Afghanistan.

Mr. Lakanwal had reportedly been a part of a "special unit" - an local intelligence and militia that collaborated with a American spy agency.

Official Response and Legal Proceedings

In the days after the attack in Washington DC, the administration vowed to "halt migration" from certain countries.

The government has halted all asylum decisions "to guarantee that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent," a director stated.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot in the event and is still hospitalized, faces murder charges.