National Guard Shooting Accused Was Isolated for Weeks Alone in Room, Social Worker's Message Revealed.
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The individual alleged to have carried out firing upon two military personnel in the nation's capital last week had reportedly spent extended periods in solitude in a dark room and suffered from "periods of mania," according to comments documented in 2024 by a support worker who assisted the individual's family.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of carrying out an "surprise attack" that took the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.
Authorities stated the 29-year-old entered the US in 2021 under a initiative for individuals from Afghanistan who had assisted American troops in Afghanistan.
Revealed Information on Psychological State
Based on emails from last year, Mr. Lakanwal faced challenges with his psychological well-being.
In a separate message dated on January 31st of last year, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "spends the majority of his days for weeks on end in his darkened bedroom, refusing to talk to anyone, not even his spouse and children."
The individual, who was not a mental health professional, also said Mr. Lakanwal had "manic episodes for one or two weeks at a time where he would take off in the family car." They also mentioned he had periods in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."
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History and Current Developments
Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, came to the US as part of the recent resettlement program. This was during the period after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.
He applied for refugee status in 2024, and his request was approved earlier this year.
He resided with his wife and five children in Bellingham, Washington.
"Aid group 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 anybody," a section of an previous email states.
Last week, a childhood friend told a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced psychological challenges after his service with his team in Afghanistan.
Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a part of a "special unit" - an Afghan intelligence and paramilitary force that collaborated with a American spy agency.
Government Response and Charges
In the aftermath of the shooting in the capital, the administration vowed to "halt immigration" from certain countries.
The administration has paused all asylum decisions "until we can ensure that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the maximum degree possible," a director stated.
Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot during the incident and remains in hospital, is facing homicide accusations.
