Military Attack Suspect Was Isolated for Weeks Isolated in Room, Case Worker's Email Said.

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The individual accused of firing upon two military personnel in the nation's capital last week had reportedly spent weeks at a time alone in a dimly lit room and suffered from "manic episodes," as per notes written in 2024 by a case worker who assisted the individual's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with perpetrating an "ambush" that took the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.

Officials stated the 29-year-old entered the US in 2021 under a programme for Afghans who had assisted American troops in Afghanistan.

Emerging Details on Psychological State

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

In a different email dated on January 31st of last year, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "passes the majority of his days for consecutive weeks in his darkened room, not speaking to a soul, not even his spouse and children."

The individual, who was not a clinician, also said Mr. Lakanwal had "manic episodes for one or two weeks at a time where he would drive away 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, entered the US as part of the Biden-era Operation Allies Welcome. This was in the wake after the chaotic US military exit from Afghanistan.

He sought asylum in 2024, and his application was approved earlier this year.

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

"World Relief 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," one part of an earlier email states.

Last week, a childhood friend informed a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with mental health issues after his service 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 American spy agency.

Official Response and Charges

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

The government has halted all refugee claims "until we can ensure that every individual is vetted and screened to the fullest extent," a director said.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot during the incident and is still hospitalized, faces murder charges.