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

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The individual accused of shooting two military personnel in the nation's capital recently had reportedly spent weeks at a time in solitude in a dimly lit room and suffered from "periods of mania," according to notes written in 2024 by a case worker that helped the suspect's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with perpetrating an "ambush" that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.

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

Emerging Information on Psychological State

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

In a different email sent on 31 January 2024, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "spends the majority of his days for consecutive weeks in his darkened room, not speaking to a soul, including his wife and older kids."

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 described he had times in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."

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Background and Recent Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered 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 approved earlier this year.

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

"Aid group volunteers are attempting to assist for that family - but I think the father has psychological problems that are not addressed, and he refuses to speak with anybody," a section of an earlier communication reads.

Last week, a childhood friend told a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced psychological challenges after his service with his team in Afghanistan.

Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a part of a "special unit" - an local intelligence and militia that collaborated with a American spy agency.

Government Response and Legal Proceedings

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

The government has halted all refugee claims "until we can ensure that every alien is thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent," a senior official said.

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