National Guard Shooting Suspect Spent Weeks Alone in Room, Case Worker's Email Revealed.

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The individual accused of shooting two military personnel in the nation's capital last week had reportedly passed weeks at a time in solitude in a dimly lit room and suffered from "manic episodes," according to comments written in 2024 by a support worker that helped the suspect's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of carrying out an "surprise attack" that took the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.

Officials said the 29-year-old came to the US in 2021 under a initiative for individuals from Afghanistan who had assisted US forces in Afghanistan.

Revealed Details on Psychological State

Based on electronic correspondence from last year, Mr. Lakanwal faced challenges with his psychological well-being.

In a different message dated on January 31st of last year, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "spends most of his time for consecutive weeks in his darkened room, not speaking to a soul, not even his spouse and children."

The case worker, who was not a mental health professional, also added Mr. Lakanwal had "hyperactive periods for one or two weeks 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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Background and Recent Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, came to the US via the recent Operation Allies Welcome. This was during the period after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.

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

He lived with his wife and five children in a city in Washington state.

"World Relief volunteers are attempting to assist for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he won't talk to anyone," one part of an previous email reads.

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

Mr. Lakanwal had reportedly been a member of a "special unit" - an local intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a American spy agency.

Government Reaction and Legal Proceedings

In the days after the attack in the capital, the administration pledged to "halt immigration" from certain countries.

The administration has paused all asylum decisions "until we can ensure that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent," a director said.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot in the event and is still hospitalized, is facing murder charges.