Military Attack Suspect Spent Weeks Alone in Bedroom, Social Worker's Email Indicated.

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The individual accused of firing upon two National Guard members in the nation's capital recently had reportedly spent weeks at a time in solitude in a dark room and experienced "periods of mania," as per comments written in 2024 by a support worker that helped the suspect's family.

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

Authorities stated the man in his late twenties entered the US in 2021 as part of a initiative for Afghans who had worked with US forces in Afghanistan.

Emerging Details on Psychological State

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

In a different email sent on 31 January 2024, the case worker said Mr. Lakanwal "passes 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 "manic episodes for one or two weeks at a time where he would take off in the family car." They also mentioned he had times in which he would try to "make amends."

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Background and Recent Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, came to the US as part of the recent Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the chaotic US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

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

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

"Aid group workers are attempting to assist for that family - but I think the father has psychological problems that are untreated, and he won't talk to anyone," one part of an earlier email states.

Last week, a childhood friend told a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced psychological challenges after his work with his unit in Afghanistan.

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

Official Reaction and Legal Proceedings

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

The administration has halted all asylum decisions "to guarantee that every alien is thoroughly investigated to the maximum degree possible," a director stated.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was injured in the event and remains in hospital, faces homicide accusations.