Military Shooting Accused Was Isolated for Weeks Isolated in Bedroom, Case Worker's Email Said.

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The man accused of firing upon two National Guard members in Washington DC last week had reportedly passed extended periods in solitude in a dimly lit room and suffered from "periods of mania," as per comments written in 2024 by a case worker that helped the individual's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with carrying out an "ambush" that took the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously injured Andrew Wolf, 24.

Authorities stated the 29-year-old entered the US in 2021 as part of a programme for Afghans who had worked with American troops in Afghanistan.

Emerging Details on Mental Health

According to electronic correspondence from last year, Mr. Lakanwal struggled with his psychological well-being.

In a different message sent on 31 January 2024, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "passes the majority of his days for consecutive weeks in his darkened room, not speaking to a soul, not even his spouse and children."

The individual, who was not a mental health professional, also said Mr. Lakanwal had "hyperactive periods 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 "apologize and reconcile."

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Background and Recent Developments

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the US as part of the Biden-era resettlement program. This was in the wake after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.

He applied for asylum in 2024, and his application was granted earlier this year.

He resided with his family in Bellingham, Washington.

"Aid group workers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has psychological problems that are not addressed, and he won't talk to anybody," one part of an previous communication states.

Last week, a longtime acquaintance informed a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced mental health issues after his work with his unit in Afghanistan.

Mr. Lakanwal had reportedly been a part of a "special unit" - an Afghan intelligence and militia that collaborated with a US intelligence agency.

Government Reaction and Charges

In the days after the attack in the capital, the President pledged to "permanently pause immigration" from certain countries.

The government has paused all asylum decisions "to guarantee that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent," a director said.

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