National Guard Attack Accused Spent Weeks Alone in Room, Case Worker's Email Indicated.

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The individual alleged to have carried out firing upon two military personnel in the nation's capital last week had reportedly passed extended periods alone in a dark room and suffered from "manic episodes," as per comments written in 2024 by a support worker that helped the suspect's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of perpetrating an "ambush" that took the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously injured Andrew Wolf, 24.

Authorities said the 29-year-old came to the US in 2021 under a programme for Afghans who had worked with American troops in Afghanistan.

Revealed Details on Psychological State

Based on electronic correspondence from last year, Mr. Lakanwal struggled with his mental health.

In a separate email dated on January 31st of last year, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "spends most of his time for consecutive weeks in his blacked-out room, refusing to talk 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 Developments

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, came to the US via the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.

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

He lived 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 refuses to speak with anybody," a section of an previous email states.

Last week, a childhood friend informed a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced mental health issues after his service with his unit in Afghanistan.

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

Government Response and Charges

In the days after the attack in the capital, the administration pledged to "permanently pause migration" from certain countries.

The government has paused all asylum decisions "to guarantee that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible," a senior official stated.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was injured in the event and remains in hospital, is facing murder charges.