National Guard Attack Suspect Spent Weeks Alone in Bedroom, Case 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 spent extended periods in solitude in a dark room and suffered from "manic episodes," according to comments documented in 2024 by a case worker who assisted the suspect's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of carrying out an "surprise attack" that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously injured Andrew Wolf, 24.

Officials stated the 29-year-old entered the US in 2021 under a programme for Afghans who had worked with American troops in Afghanistan.

Emerging Information on Mental Health

Based on emails from last year, Mr. Lakanwal faced challenges with his mental health.

In a separate email dated on 31 January 2024, the worker said Mr. Lakanwal "passes most of his time for weeks on end in his blacked-out room, not speaking to a soul, including his wife and older kids."

The case worker, 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 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 as part of the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome. This was during the period after the disorderly US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

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

He resided with his family in Bellingham, Washington.

"World Relief workers are attempting to assist for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are untreated, and he won't talk to anyone," a section of an previous communication reads.

Last week, a childhood friend told 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 Response and Legal Proceedings

In the days after the attack in Washington DC, the President vowed to "halt immigration" from certain countries.

The administration has paused all refugee claims "to guarantee that every alien 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.