National Guard Shooting Suspect Spent Weeks Alone in Bedroom, Case Worker's Message Indicated.

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The man accused of firing upon two military personnel in Washington DC recently had according to accounts passed weeks at a time alone in a dark room and experienced "periods of mania," as per notes documented in 2024 by a support worker that helped the individual's family.

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

Authorities stated the man in his late twenties entered the US in 2021 under a initiative for Afghans who had assisted US forces in Afghanistan.

Revealed Details on Psychological State

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

In a different message dated on 31 January 2024, the worker said Mr. Lakanwal "passes most of his time for weeks on end in his darkened room, not speaking to anyone, including his spouse and children."

The individual, 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 periods in which he would try to "make amends."

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History and Recent Developments

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the US via the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the chaotic US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

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

He resided 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 psychological problems that are untreated, and he won't talk to anyone," a section of an earlier email states.

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

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

Official Response and Charges

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

The government has paused all refugee claims "until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the fullest extent," a director said.

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