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The individual accused of firing upon two military personnel in Washington DC last week had reportedly spent weeks at a time in solitude in a dark room and suffered from "manic episodes," according to comments written in 2024 by a support worker who assisted the suspect's family.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with carrying out an "surprise attack" that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.
Authorities said the man in his late twenties entered the US in 2021 under a programme for individuals from Afghanistan who had assisted US forces in Afghanistan.
Revealed Details on Psychological State
According to electronic correspondence from last year, Mr. Lakanwal faced challenges with his psychological well-being.
In a separate message dated on 31 January 2024, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "passes the majority of his days for weeks on end in his darkened room, not speaking to anyone, including 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 mentioned 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, came to the US via the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.
He applied for asylum in 2024, and his request was approved recently.
He resided with his family 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 untreated, and he refuses to speak with anybody," one part of an earlier email reads.
Last week, a childhood friend informed a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced psychological challenges after his work with his unit in Afghanistan.
Mr. Lakanwal had reportedly been a member of a "Zero Unit" - an Afghan intelligence and militia that worked with a US intelligence agency.
Government Response and Charges
In the aftermath of the attack in the capital, the President pledged to "permanently pause migration" from certain countries.
The government has paused all refugee claims "to guarantee that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible," a senior official stated.
Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot in the event and is still hospitalized, faces homicide accusations.
