Military Attack Accused Was Isolated for Weeks Isolated in Bedroom, Social Worker's Message 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 experienced "periods of mania," as per notes documented in 2024 by a case worker who assisted the individual's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of perpetrating an "surprise attack" that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously injured Andrew Wolf, 24.

Authorities said the 29-year-old entered the US in 2021 under a initiative for Afghans who had assisted American troops in Afghanistan.

Emerging Details on Mental Health

Based on emails from last year, Mr. Lakanwal faced challenges with his psychological well-being.

In a different email sent on January 31st of last year, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "spends the majority of his days for weeks on end in his darkened bedroom, refusing to talk to a soul, including his wife and older kids."

The individual, 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 take off in the family car." They also mentioned he had times in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."

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Background and Recent Developments

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the US as part of the Biden-era resettlement program. This was in the wake after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.

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

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

"Aid group workers are attempting to assist for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he won't talk to anyone," one part of an earlier communication reads.

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

Mr. Lakanwal had reportedly been a member 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 "permanently pause immigration" from certain countries.

The administration has halted all refugee claims "to guarantee that every individual is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible," a director said.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was injured in the event and remains in hospital, faces murder charges.