National Guard Shooting Accused Spent Weeks Alone in Bedroom, Social Worker's Message Said.
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The individual alleged to have carried out shooting two military personnel in the nation's capital recently had reportedly passed extended periods in solitude in a dark room and experienced "manic episodes," as per notes written in 2024 by a case worker that helped the individual's family.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with perpetrating an "surprise attack" that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.
Officials stated the 29-year-old came to the US in 2021 under a initiative for Afghans who had worked with 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 worker said Mr. Lakanwal "passes most of his time for consecutive weeks in his blacked-out bedroom, refusing to talk to anyone, including his wife and older kids."
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 take off in the family car." They also mentioned he had periods in which he would try to "make amends."
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History and Recent Events
Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the US via the recent Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the disorderly US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
He applied for asylum in 2024, and his request was granted 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," one part of an previous communication states.
Last week, a childhood friend informed a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced psychological challenges after his work with his team in Afghanistan.
Mr. Lakanwal had reportedly been a member of a "special unit" - an Afghan intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a American spy agency.
Official Reaction and Legal Proceedings
In the days after the attack in the capital, the President vowed to "halt immigration" from certain countries.
The administration has paused all refugee claims "until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible," a senior official said.
Mr. Lakanwal, who was injured in the event and remains in hospital, is facing homicide accusations.