National Guard Shooting Accused Was Isolated for Weeks Isolated in Bedroom, Case Worker's Email Revealed.

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The man accused of firing upon two National Guard members in Washington DC recently had reportedly spent weeks at a time in solitude in a dark room and experienced "periods of mania," as per comments written in 2024 by a case worker who assisted the individual'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 stated the man in his late twenties came to the US in 2021 as part of a programme for Afghans who had assisted American troops in Afghanistan.

Revealed Details on Mental Health

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

In a separate message dated on January 31st of last year, the case worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "spends the majority of his days for weeks on end in his darkened bedroom, refusing to talk to a soul, including his spouse and children."

The individual, who was not a mental health professional, also said Mr. Lakanwal had "hyperactive periods for a week or two at a time where he would take off in the family car." They also mentioned he had times in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."

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Background and Recent Developments

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the US via the recent Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.

He sought refugee status in 2024, and his application was granted recently.

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

"World Relief volunteers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he won't talk to anyone," a section of an earlier email states.

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

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

Official Reaction and Legal Proceedings

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

The administration has halted all asylum decisions "to guarantee that every alien is thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent," a senior official stated.

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