Military Attack Accused Spent Weeks Alone in Room, Social Worker's Message Said.

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The man accused of firing upon two military personnel in Washington DC recently had according to accounts spent extended periods alone in a dark room and experienced "manic episodes," as per notes documented in 2024 by a support worker who assisted 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 said the 29-year-old came to the US in 2021 under a initiative for individuals from Afghanistan who had assisted US forces in Afghanistan.

Revealed Details on Psychological State

Based on electronic correspondence from last year, Mr. Lakanwal struggled with his mental health.

In a separate email sent on January 31st of last year, the worker said Mr. Lakanwal "spends most of his time for weeks on end in his blacked-out room, not speaking to a soul, not even his wife and older kids."

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 take off in the family car." They also described he had times in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."

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Background and Current Developments

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, came to the US via the Biden-era resettlement program. This was during the period 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 Bellingham, Washington.

"Aid group workers are attempting to assist for that family - but I think the father has psychological problems that are untreated, and he refuses to speak with anybody," a section of an earlier communication reads.

Last week, a longtime acquaintance told a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced mental health issues after his work with his unit in Afghanistan.

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

Government Reaction and Legal Proceedings

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

The government has halted all asylum decisions "until we can ensure that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent," a senior official said.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot in the event and remains in hospital, faces murder charges.