National Guard Shooting Accused Spent Weeks Alone in Room, Case Worker's Message Indicated.

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The man alleged to have carried out firing upon two military personnel in the nation's capital recently had reportedly passed extended periods alone in a dimly lit room and experienced "manic episodes," as per notes documented in 2024 by a case worker that helped the suspect's family.

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

Authorities stated the man in his late twenties entered the US in 2021 as part of a programme for individuals from Afghanistan 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 psychological well-being.

In a separate email sent on January 31st of last year, the case worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "spends the majority of his days for consecutive weeks in his darkened room, not speaking to anyone, including his spouse and children."

The case worker, who was not a mental health professional, also added Mr. Lakanwal had "hyperactive periods for a week or two at a time where he would take off in the family car." They also mentioned he had times in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."

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History and Recent Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, entered the US via the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the chaotic US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

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

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

"Aid group workers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he refuses to speak with anybody," one part of an previous email states.

Last week, a childhood friend told a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced psychological challenges after his work with his unit in Afghanistan.

Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a member of a "Zero Unit" - an Afghan intelligence and militia that worked with a American spy agency.

Government Response and Charges

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

The administration has halted all asylum decisions "to guarantee that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible," a senior official stated.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was injured during the incident and is still hospitalized, is facing homicide accusations.