National Guard Shooting Suspect Spent Weeks Isolated in Bedroom, Case Worker's Email Indicated.

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The man accused of shooting two National Guard members in the nation's capital last week had according to accounts spent extended periods alone in a dark room and suffered from "periods of mania," as per notes written in 2024 by a support worker who assisted the individual's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of carrying out an "ambush" that took the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously injured Andrew Wolf, 24.

Authorities stated the man in his late twenties entered the US in 2021 as part of a programme for Afghans who had worked with US forces in Afghanistan.

Emerging Information on Psychological State

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

In a separate email sent on January 31st of last year, the case worker said Mr. Lakanwal "spends most of his time for weeks on end in his blacked-out room, not speaking to anyone, not even his spouse and children."

The individual, who was not a clinician, also added 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 periods in which he would try to "make amends."

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Background and Recent Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, came to the US as part of the recent Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the disorderly US military exit from Afghanistan.

He sought asylum in 2024, and his application was granted earlier this year.

He lived with his family in a city in Washington state.

"World Relief 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," a section of an previous communication reads.

Last week, a longtime acquaintance told a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with mental health issues after his service with his team in Afghanistan.

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

Official Reaction and Charges

In the aftermath of the attack in Washington DC, the administration vowed to "permanently pause migration" from certain countries.

The administration has halted all refugee claims "until we can ensure that every individual 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.