Military Attack Suspect Spent Weeks Isolated in Bedroom, Social Worker's Message Revealed.

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The individual accused of shooting two military personnel in the nation's capital recently had according to accounts spent extended periods alone in a dimly lit room and suffered from "manic episodes," as per comments written in 2024 by a case worker who assisted the individual's family.

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

Officials said the 29-year-old entered the US in 2021 as part of a initiative for Afghans who had assisted US forces in Afghanistan.

Emerging Information on Psychological State

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

In a separate message sent on January 31st of last year, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "spends the majority of his days for weeks on end in his darkened bedroom, not speaking to anyone, not even his spouse and children."

The individual, who was not a clinician, also said 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 times in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."

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Background and Recent Events

Mr. Lakanwal, an citizen of Afghanistan, came to the US via the Biden-era resettlement program. This was during the period after the chaotic US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

He applied for refugee status in 2024, and his application was approved earlier this year.

He resided with his family in a city in Washington state.

"Aid group workers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he won't talk to anyone," one part of an earlier communication states.

Last week, a longtime acquaintance informed a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced mental health issues after his service with his unit in Afghanistan.

Mr. Lakanwal had reportedly been a part of a "Zero Unit" - an Afghan intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a US intelligence agency.

Government Reaction and Charges

In the aftermath of the attack in the capital, the President pledged to "halt migration" from certain countries.

The administration has paused all refugee claims "to guarantee that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the fullest extent," a senior official stated.

Mr. Lakanwal, who was shot in the event and is still hospitalized, faces homicide accusations.