National Guard Attack Suspect Was Isolated for 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 last week had according to accounts passed weeks at a time alone in a dimly lit room and experienced "manic episodes," according to notes documented in 2024 by a case worker who assisted the suspect's family.

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

Authorities said the 29-year-old came to the US in 2021 as part of a initiative for individuals from Afghanistan who had assisted American troops in Afghanistan.

Emerging Details on Mental Health

According to emails from last year, Mr. Lakanwal faced challenges with his psychological well-being.

In a separate message dated on January 31st of last year, the case worker said Mr. Lakanwal "passes most of his time for weeks on end in his blacked-out room, refusing to talk to anyone, not even his spouse and children."

The individual, 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 times in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."

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History and Current Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, came to the US via the Biden-era resettlement program. This was in the wake after the disorderly US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

He sought refugee status in 2024, and his request was approved recently.

He lived with his wife and five children in Bellingham, Washington.

"World Relief 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 reads.

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

Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a member of a "Zero Unit" - an Afghan intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a American spy agency.

Official Reaction and Charges

In the aftermath of the attack in the capital, the President pledged to "permanently pause migration" from certain countries.

The government has halted all refugee claims "to guarantee that every individual is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible," a senior official said.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was injured during the incident and remains in hospital, faces homicide accusations.