Military Shooting Suspect Spent Weeks Alone in Bedroom, Social Worker's Message Said.

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The man alleged to have carried out 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 "manic episodes," as per comments written in 2024 by a support worker who assisted the suspect's family.

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

Authorities said the 29-year-old came to the US in 2021 under a programme for individuals from Afghanistan who had assisted US forces in Afghanistan.

Revealed Details on Mental Health

Based on emails from last year, Mr. Lakanwal faced challenges with his mental health.

In a separate message dated on 31 January 2024, the case worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "spends the majority of his days for consecutive weeks in his blacked-out bedroom, refusing to talk to anyone, not even 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 described he had times in which he would try to "make amends."

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History and Recent Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, entered the US via the recent Operation Allies Welcome. This was during the period after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.

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

He lived with his family in Bellingham, Washington.

"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 anyone," a section of an earlier communication states.

Last week, a childhood friend informed a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with mental health issues after his work with his unit in Afghanistan.

Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a member of a "Zero Unit" - an Afghan intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a US intelligence agency.

Official Response and Legal Proceedings

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

The government has paused 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 during the incident and remains in hospital, is facing homicide accusations.