Military Attack Accused Was Isolated for Weeks Isolated in Bedroom, Case Worker's Message Said.

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The individual alleged to have carried out shooting two National Guard members in the nation's capital recently had according to accounts passed extended periods in solitude in a dark room and experienced "periods of mania," according to notes written in 2024 by a support worker who assisted the individual's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of carrying out an "surprise attack" that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.

Authorities stated the man in his late twenties entered the US in 2021 under a programme for individuals from Afghanistan who had worked with American troops in Afghanistan.

Emerging Details on Psychological State

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

In a different message dated on January 31st of last year, the case worker said Mr. Lakanwal "spends the majority of his days for weeks on end in his blacked-out bedroom, not speaking to anyone, not even his spouse and children."

The individual, who was not a mental health professional, 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 times in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."

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Background and Recent Developments

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, came to the US as part of the recent resettlement program. This was during the period after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.

He applied for refugee status in 2024, and his application was granted earlier this year.

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

"Aid group volunteers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has psychological problems that are untreated, and he won't talk to anybody," a section of an earlier communication reads.

Last week, a longtime acquaintance informed a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with psychological challenges after his work with his unit in Afghanistan.

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

Government Response and Charges

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

The administration has halted all asylum decisions "until we can ensure that every alien is thoroughly investigated to the maximum degree possible," a director said.

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