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The man accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington DC recently had according to accounts passed weeks at a time in solitude in a dark room and experienced "manic episodes," according to comments documented in 2024 by a support worker that helped the individual's family.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with carrying out an "surprise attack" that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Andrew Wolf, 24.
Officials stated the 29-year-old entered the US in 2021 as part of a programme for individuals from Afghanistan who had assisted US forces in Afghanistan.
Based on emails from last year, Mr. Lakanwal struggled with his psychological well-being.
In a different message sent on January 31st of last year, the worker noted Mr. Lakanwal "passes the majority of his days for consecutive weeks in his blacked-out bedroom, not speaking to a soul, including his wife and older kids."
The case worker, who was not a mental health professional, 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 times in which he would try to "apologize and reconcile."
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Mr. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, entered the US as part of the recent resettlement program. This was in the wake after the chaotic US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.
He sought asylum in 2024, and his application was approved earlier this year.
He resided with his family in a city in Washington state.
"World Relief workers are attempting to assist for that family - but I think the father has psychological problems that are not addressed, and he refuses to speak with anybody," a section of an earlier communication states.
Last week, a childhood friend told a newspaper that Mr. Lakanwal had experienced psychological challenges after his work with his team in Afghanistan.
Mr. Lakanwal had allegedly been a part of a "Zero Unit" - an local intelligence and paramilitary force that worked with a US intelligence agency.
In the aftermath of the shooting in the capital, the administration vowed to "halt migration" from certain countries.
The administration has halted all refugee claims "until we can ensure that every alien is vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible," a senior official stated.
Mr. Lakanwal, who was injured in the event and is still hospitalized, is facing murder charges.
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