Military Attack Suspect Was Isolated for Weeks Isolated in Bedroom, Social Worker's Message Revealed.

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The individual accused of shooting two military personnel in the nation's capital last week had reportedly spent extended periods alone in a dimly lit room and suffered from "manic episodes," according to comments written in 2024 by a case worker that helped the individual's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of perpetrating an "ambush" that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.

Officials stated the man in his late twenties entered the US in 2021 as part of a initiative for Afghans who had assisted American troops in Afghanistan.

Emerging Details on Mental Health

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

In a different message dated on 31 January 2024, the worker said Mr. Lakanwal "passes the majority of his days for consecutive weeks in his blacked-out room, refusing to talk to a soul, including his spouse and children."

The case worker, who was not a clinician, also said Mr. Lakanwal had "manic episodes for a week or two at a time where he would take off in the family car." They also described he had periods in which he would try to "make amends."

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History and Recent Developments

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, entered the US as part of the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome. This was during the period after the disorderly US military exit from Afghanistan.

He sought refugee status in 2024, and his request was approved recently.

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

"World Relief workers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he won't talk to anyone," a section of an earlier communication reads.

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

Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a member of a "special unit" - an Afghan intelligence and militia that worked with a US intelligence agency.

Government Reaction and Charges

In the days after the attack in the capital, the administration vowed to "permanently pause immigration" from certain countries.

The government has paused all refugee claims "until we can ensure that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent," a director stated.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot in the event and is still hospitalized, faces homicide accusations.