Military Attack Accused Was Isolated for Weeks Alone in Bedroom, Social Worker's Email Indicated.

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The individual accused of firing upon two military personnel in the nation's capital last week had reportedly passed extended periods in solitude in a dimly lit room and suffered from "periods of mania," according to notes written in 2024 by a support worker who assisted the suspect's family.

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of carrying out an "surprise attack" that took the life of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and seriously injured Andrew Wolf, 24.

Officials said the man in his late twenties entered the US in 2021 as part of a initiative for Afghans who had assisted US forces in Afghanistan.

Revealed Details on Psychological State

Based on electronic correspondence from last year, Mr. Lakanwal faced challenges with his psychological well-being.

In a different email sent on January 31st of last year, the case worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "passes the majority of his days for consecutive weeks in his blacked-out bedroom, 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 drive away in the family car." They also mentioned he had periods in which he would try to "make amends."

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History and Current Developments

Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, came to the US as part of the Biden-era resettlement program. This was in the wake after the chaotic US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

He applied for refugee status in 2024, and his request was approved recently.

He resided with his wife and five children in Bellingham, Washington.

"World Relief workers are trying to patch things for that family - but I think the father has psychological problems that are not addressed, and he won't talk to anyone," one part of an earlier communication reads.

Last week, a longtime acquaintance told a publication that Mr. Lakanwal had dealt with psychological challenges after his service with his unit in Afghanistan.

Mr. Lakanwal had reportedly been a member of a "special unit" - an Afghan intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a American spy agency.

Official Reaction and Charges

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

The government has halted all refugee claims "to guarantee that every individual is thoroughly investigated to the maximum degree possible," a senior official said.

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