National Guard Attack Suspect Spent Weeks Alone in Room, Case Worker's Message Said.

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The man accused of shooting two National Guard members in the nation's capital recently had reportedly passed weeks at a time alone in a dimly lit 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 29-year-old entered the US in 2021 under a programme for Afghans who had assisted American troops in Afghanistan.

Emerging Details on Psychological State

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

In a different email dated on January 31st of last year, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "passes most of his time for consecutive weeks in his darkened bedroom, not speaking to a soul, not even his spouse and children."

The individual, who was not a mental health professional, also said 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 times in which he would try to "make amends."

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Background and Current Developments

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, entered the US via the recent Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the disorderly US military exit from Afghanistan.

He applied for asylum in 2024, and his request was granted earlier this year.

He lived with his wife and five children in a city in Washington state.

"Aid group volunteers are attempting to assist for that family - but I think the father has psychological problems that are untreated, and he refuses to speak with anyone," a section of an earlier communication reads.

Last week, a longtime acquaintance informed a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with mental health issues after his work with his unit in Afghanistan.

Mr. Lakanwal had reportedly been a member of a "Zero Unit" - an Afghan intelligence and paramilitary force that collaborated with a American spy agency.

Government Reaction and Legal Proceedings

In the aftermath of the shooting in the capital, the President pledged to "permanently pause migration" from certain countries.

The administration has halted all asylum decisions "to guarantee that every individual is vetted and screened to the fullest extent," a senior official stated.

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