Military Shooting Accused Spent Weeks Isolated in Room, Social Worker's Message Revealed.

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The individual alleged to have carried out shooting two National Guard members in the nation's capital recently had reportedly passed extended periods alone in a dimly lit room and suffered from "periods of mania," as per comments documented in 2024 by a case worker who assisted the suspect's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of perpetrating an "ambush" 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 assisted US forces in Afghanistan.

Revealed Details on Mental Health

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

In a separate message sent on 31 January 2024, the case worker said Mr. Lakanwal "passes the majority of his days for weeks on end in his blacked-out room, refusing to talk to a soul, including his spouse and children."

The case worker, who was not a mental health professional, 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 mentioned he had times in which he would try to "make amends."

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Background and Recent Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the US as part of the recent resettlement program. This was in the wake after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.

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

He lived with his family in a city in Washington state.

"Aid group volunteers 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 anybody," one part of an earlier email states.

Last week, a longtime acquaintance told a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced psychological challenges after his service with his unit in Afghanistan.

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

Official Reaction and Charges

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

The government has paused all asylum decisions "until we can ensure that every individual is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible," a senior official said.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was injured in the event and is still hospitalized, faces homicide accusations.