DC National Guard shooting suspect lived in isolation, emails show

New details outline a troubled period for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan national charged in a Washington, D.C. shooting that killed a young National Guard member and wounded another. Emails from a case worker describe long stretches of isolation and signs of significant mental health struggles as his family began a new life in the United States.

Arriving in the United States and family relocation

He arrived in 2021 through the Operation Allies Welcome program, established to assist Afghan nationals who supported American forces. He and his wife and five children later settled in Bellingham, Washington, far from the shooting scene.

Mental health concerns and recent behavior

Correspondence from January 2024, obtained by CBS News via a refugee-aid group, shows concerns about unemployment and housing, and describes weeks when Lakanwal stayed in a darkened bedroom and did not speak to family members. The emails mention manic episodes in which he would drive off in the family car, and periods when he attempted to make amends.

Asylum status and legal status

He filed for asylum in 2024, and authorities granted his asylum request earlier in the year, according to officials cited by CBS.

Links to Afghan security forces and possible radicalisation

People in the community noted that Lakanwal previously worked with an Afghan intelligence and paramilitary unit that collaborated with the CIA. The CIA director confirmed that Lakanwal worked with U.S. intelligence.

The attack and its aftermath

In the Washington, D.C. assault, Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed and Andrew Wolf, 24, was seriously injured. Lakanwal was wounded and remains hospitalized as he faces murder charges. The case has spurred debate about migration and asylum policy.

Official response and policy notes

In the days after the shooting, former President Donald Trump urged stricter migration controls, including pauses on asylum decisions, while officials stressed the need for thorough vetting of entrants and continued asylum processing.

Expert perspective

Expert comment: Mental health support is essential for newcomers and refugees, and extended isolation can worsen symptoms. Early intervention and ongoing assistance are key to preventing crises.

Summary

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with a deadly ambush that killed a guard member and injured another. Emails reveal weeks of withdrawal and manic episodes that raised concerns about his mental health and the support available after his arrival. Authorities say his asylum status was granted earlier this year, while investigators examine potential links to radicalisation. The case underscores the importance of robust mental-health support and careful screening for new arrivals.

BBC News analysis: The emails highlight how mental-health challenges and isolation can intersect with security concerns among refugees, underscoring the need for strong support systems.