Military Attack Accused Was Isolated for Weeks Alone in Room, Case Worker's Email Revealed.

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The man alleged to have carried out firing upon two National Guard members in Washington DC last week had reportedly passed weeks at a time alone in a dark room and suffered from "manic episodes," as per notes written in 2024 by a support 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.

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

Emerging Information on Psychological State

According to electronic correspondence from last year, Mr. Lakanwal faced challenges with his mental health.

In a different message dated on January 31st of last year, the case worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "spends the majority of his days for weeks on end in his darkened room, not speaking to a soul, including his wife and older kids."

The case worker, who was not a clinician, also added Mr. Lakanwal had "manic episodes for a week or two at a time where he would take off in the family car." They also described he had times in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."

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History and Current Developments

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the US as part of the recent Operation Allies Welcome. This was during the period after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.

He applied for refugee status in 2024, and his application was granted recently.

He lived with his wife and five children 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 not addressed, and he refuses to speak with anybody," one part of an earlier email reads.

Last week, a childhood friend told a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with mental health issues after his service with his unit in Afghanistan.

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

Government Response and Legal Proceedings

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

The government has paused all refugee claims "until we can ensure that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent," a director stated.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot during the incident and remains in hospital, is facing homicide accusations.