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

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The individual alleged to have carried out shooting two military personnel in Washington DC last week had according to accounts passed weeks at a time alone in a dark room and suffered from "manic episodes," according to comments written 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 seriously injured Andrew Wolf, 24.

Authorities stated the 29-year-old entered the US in 2021 as part of a programme for individuals from Afghanistan who had worked with American troops in Afghanistan.

Emerging Information on Mental Health

According to emails from last year, Mr. Lakanwal struggled with his mental health.

In a separate email sent on 31 January 2024, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "passes most of his time for weeks on end in his blacked-out bedroom, refusing to talk to a soul, including his spouse and children."

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 citizen of Afghanistan, entered the US via the recent resettlement program. This was during the period after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.

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

He resided 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 mental health issues that are untreated, and he refuses to speak with anybody," one part of an previous communication 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 part of a "special unit" - an local intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a American spy agency.

Government Reaction and Legal Proceedings

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

The government has halted all refugee claims "to guarantee that every alien is thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent," a director stated.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was injured during the incident and remains in hospital, is facing murder charges.