National Guard Attack Accused Spent Weeks Isolated in Room, Case Worker's Message Said.

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The man accused of firing upon two National Guard members in Washington DC recently had reportedly passed extended periods in solitude in a dimly lit room and suffered from "manic episodes," according to comments documented in 2024 by a case worker that helped the suspect's family.

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

Authorities stated the man in his late twenties came to the US in 2021 under a programme for individuals from Afghanistan who had assisted American troops in Afghanistan.

Emerging Details on Mental Health

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

In a different email sent on January 31st of last year, the case worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "passes 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 clinician, also added Mr. Lakanwal had "manic episodes for a week or two at a time where he would drive away in the family car." They also described he had times 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 in the wake after the chaotic US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

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

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

"World Relief workers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has psychological problems that are untreated, and he won't talk to anyone," one part of an previous email states.

Last week, a childhood friend informed a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced psychological challenges after his service with his team in Afghanistan.

Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a part of a "special unit" - an local intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a US intelligence agency.

Government Response and Legal Proceedings

In the aftermath of the shooting in Washington DC, the President pledged to "halt migration" from certain countries.

The government 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 during the incident and remains in hospital, faces homicide accusations.