Military Shooting Suspect Spent Weeks Alone in Room, Social Worker's Email Revealed.

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The individual alleged to have carried out shooting two National Guard members in the nation's capital last week had reportedly spent extended periods in solitude in a dark room and suffered from "periods of mania," according to notes written in 2024 by a support worker who assisted the suspect's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with carrying out an "surprise attack" that took the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously injured Andrew Wolf, 24.

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

Revealed Details on Mental Health

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

In a separate message sent on January 31st of last year, the case worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "passes the majority of his days for consecutive weeks in his blacked-out bedroom, refusing to talk to anyone, including his spouse and children."

The individual, who was not a clinician, 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 periods in which he would try to "make amends."

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Background and Current Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, came to the US as part of the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the disorderly US military exit from Afghanistan.

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

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

"Aid group volunteers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are untreated, and he refuses to speak with anyone," a section of an earlier email reads.

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

Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a member of a "Zero Unit" - an Afghan intelligence and militia that worked with a American spy agency.

Government Reaction and Legal Proceedings

In the days after the shooting in Washington DC, the President vowed to "permanently pause migration" from certain countries.

The administration has paused all asylum decisions "until we can ensure that every individual is vetted and screened to the fullest extent," a senior official stated.

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