National Guard Shooting Suspect Was Isolated for Weeks Isolated in Bedroom, Social Worker's Message Revealed.

Image Source

The man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington DC last week had reportedly passed weeks at a time alone in a dark room and suffered from "periods of mania," as per comments documented in 2024 by a support worker who assisted the suspect's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with perpetrating 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 entered the US in 2021 under a initiative for Afghans who had worked with US forces in Afghanistan.

Revealed Information on Psychological State

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

In a different email dated on January 31st of last year, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "passes most of his time for consecutive weeks in his darkened bedroom, refusing to talk to a soul, including his wife and older kids."

The case worker, who was not a clinician, also said Mr. Lakanwal had "hyperactive periods for a week or two 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."

Image Source

Background and Recent Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the US as part of the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the disorderly US military exit from Afghanistan.

He sought asylum in 2024, and his application was approved earlier this year.

He resided with his family in Bellingham, Washington.

"Aid group workers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has psychological problems that are not addressed, and he refuses to speak with anyone," a section of an previous email states.

Last week, a longtime acquaintance informed a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced mental health issues after his work with his unit in Afghanistan.

Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a part of a "special unit" - an local intelligence and militia that worked with a US intelligence agency.

Official Response and Legal Proceedings

In the aftermath of the attack in the capital, the administration vowed to "halt migration" from certain countries.

The government has paused all refugee claims "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 remains in hospital, faces murder charges.