National Guard Attack Suspect Was Isolated for Weeks Alone in Room, Social Worker's Message Indicated.

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The man alleged to have carried out shooting two military personnel in Washington DC recently had reportedly passed weeks at a time alone in a dimly lit room and experienced "periods of mania," as per notes documented in 2024 by a support worker that helped the suspect's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of perpetrating an "surprise attack" that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded 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 assisted US forces in Afghanistan.

Revealed Details on Mental Health

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

In a different message dated on January 31st of last year, the case worker said Mr. Lakanwal "passes most of his time for weeks on end in his darkened bedroom, refusing to talk to a soul, not even his spouse and children."

The individual, 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 take off in the family car." They also mentioned he had periods in which he would try to "make amends."

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Background and Current Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, came to the US via the Biden-era resettlement program. This was during the period after the disorderly US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

He applied for refugee status in 2024, and his application was approved recently.

He resided with his family in a city in Washington state.

"Aid group volunteers are attempting to assist for that family - but I think the father has psychological problems that are untreated, and he refuses to speak with anyone," a section of an previous email reads.

Last week, a childhood friend informed a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with psychological challenges after his service with his team in Afghanistan.

Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a member of a "special unit" - an local intelligence and paramilitary force that collaborated with a US intelligence agency.

Government Reaction and Charges

In the aftermath of the shooting in Washington DC, the administration vowed to "halt immigration" from certain countries.

The administration has paused all asylum decisions "to guarantee that every individual is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible," a director said.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot in the event and remains in hospital, is facing homicide accusations.