Military Attack Suspect Spent Weeks Isolated in Room, Social Worker's Message Indicated.
Image Source
The individual accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington DC last week had according to accounts passed weeks at a time in solitude in a dimly lit room and experienced "periods of mania," as per notes documented in 2024 by a case worker that helped the suspect's family.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of perpetrating an "ambush" that took the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.
Authorities said the 29-year-old came to the US in 2021 under a programme for Afghans who had worked with American troops in Afghanistan.
Revealed Information on Mental Health
According to electronic correspondence from last year, Mr. Lakanwal struggled with his psychological well-being.
In a separate message dated on 31 January 2024, the case worker said Mr. Lakanwal "spends the majority of his days for weeks on end in his darkened bedroom, not speaking to a soul, not even his spouse and children."
The individual, who was not a clinician, also said Mr. Lakanwal had "manic episodes for a week or two at a time where he would drive away in the family car." They also mentioned he had times in which he would try to "make amends."
Image Source
Background and Current Developments
Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, entered the US via the recent resettlement program. This was during the period after the chaotic US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
He sought asylum in 2024, and his application was approved recently.
He lived with his family in a city in Washington state.
"World Relief workers 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 longtime acquaintance informed a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with psychological challenges after his work with his team in Afghanistan.
Mr. Lakanwal had reportedly been a member of a "Zero Unit" - an Afghan intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a US intelligence agency.
Government Reaction and Charges
In the aftermath of the shooting in the capital, the administration pledged to "permanently pause migration" from certain countries.
The government has halted all asylum decisions "until we can ensure that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the maximum degree possible," a director said.
Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot during the incident and remains in hospital, faces homicide accusations.
