Military Attack Accused Spent Weeks Alone in Bedroom, Case Worker's Message Indicated.

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The individual alleged to have carried out shooting two military personnel in Washington DC recently had according to accounts spent extended periods in solitude in a dark room and experienced "manic episodes," according to comments documented in 2024 by a support worker that helped the suspect's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with carrying out an "surprise attack" that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously injured Andrew Wolf, 24.

Officials said the man in his late twenties came to the US in 2021 under a initiative for individuals from Afghanistan who had assisted US forces in Afghanistan.

Revealed Details on Psychological State

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

In a different email sent on January 31st of last year, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "passes most of his time for consecutive weeks in his darkened bedroom, refusing to talk to anyone, including his wife and older kids."

The case worker, 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 drive away in the family car." They also mentioned he had times in which he would try to "make amends."

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History and Current Developments

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

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

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

"Aid group workers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he refuses to speak with anyone," a section of an earlier email reads.

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

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

Official Reaction and Legal Proceedings

In the days after the shooting in Washington DC, the President vowed to "permanently pause immigration" from certain countries.

The administration has halted all asylum decisions "to guarantee that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent," a director said.

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