D.C. National Guard shooting suspect spent "weeks on end" in isolation, struggled with mental health, 2024 emails say. This chilling revelation emerged from a trove of communications sent by a case worker assisting the family of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the 29-year-old Afghan national accused of opening fire on two West Virginia National Guard members in Washington, D.C., an attack that tragically claimed the life of one and left another hospitalized. The emails, dated January 2024 and obtained by CBS News, paint a disturbing picture of a man grappling with profound mental health deterioration in the years following his resettlement in the United States.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal’s journey to the U.S. began in 2021, part of the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, a massive effort to resettle Afghan evacuees after the chaotic American withdrawal from Afghanistan. Like thousands of others, Lakanwal, along with his wife and five sons, sought refuge and a new life, eventually settling in Bellingham, Washington. However, the promise of a fresh start appears to have been overshadowed by an escalating internal struggle, culminating in the recent violence that shocked the nation.
The case worker’s emails, sent to the nonprofit U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, detail Lakanwal’s struggles, which reportedly intensified more than a year before the emails were even written. By January 2024, Lakanwal had not been able to hold a job for a year, a critical indicator of his declining functionality and the immense pressure placed upon him as a family provider in a new country. This financial strain manifested in an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent, a crisis that World Relief volunteers were desperately trying to "patch" for the family. World Relief is one of several refugee resettlement agencies instrumental in the relocation of Afghan nationals, with Washington state alone taking in nearly 3,000 evacuees.
A particularly poignant detail from an email dated January 11, 2024, stated, "World Relief volunteers 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." This observation, made a year before Lakanwal’s asylum claim was approved, underscores the profound isolation and reluctance to seek help that often accompanies mental health struggles, especially within cultural contexts where stigma can be high. The language barrier, cultural differences in understanding mental illness, and the sheer trauma of displacement can further complicate access to and acceptance of mental health services.
The deterioration of Lakanwal’s condition became even more explicit in a subsequent email sent on January 31, 2024. The case worker reported that Lakanwal had "not been functional as a person, father and provider since March of last year, 03/2023." This timeline suggests a prolonged period of severe distress, lasting nearly two years leading up to the shooting incident. The email continued with a stark depiction of his isolation: "He spends most of his time for weeks on end in his darkened bedroom, not speaking to anyone, not even his wife and older kids." This description paints a picture of profound withdrawal, indicative of severe depression or other mental health conditions, where even the most basic familial interactions ceased.
Beyond mere isolation, the case worker also described "manic episodes for one or two weeks at a time where he will take off in the family car," followed by "interim" periods where he would "try to make amends." While not a mental health professional, the case worker speculated that Lakanwal was suffering from "PTSD from his work with the US military in Afghanistan." This unofficial diagnosis, though unconfirmed by a medical professional, offers a crucial lens through which to understand Lakanwal’s behavior. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common affliction among combat veterans, and Afghan commandos who worked closely with U.S. forces often faced intense combat, betrayal, and the harrowing experience of their country’s collapse. The death of a close friend and fellow Afghan commander in 2024, who had unsuccessfully sought asylum in the U.S., reportedly left Lakanwal deeply troubled, according to a former Afghan commando who spoke with CBS News. This specific loss could have exacerbated pre-existing trauma and feelings of hopelessness or injustice.
Lakanwal’s background as a former Afghan commando who led a special forces unit and worked closely with international troops adds another layer of complexity. These individuals were often elite soldiers, accustomed to discipline, responsibility, and a clear purpose. Their sudden displacement, loss of status, and the inability to find comparable work or purpose in a new country can be devastating, contributing to mental health crises. The skills honed in combat are often not transferable to civilian life, especially in a foreign land.
Despite these documented struggles, Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024, a lawful immigration process overseen by the Department of Homeland Security. This process involves extensive vetting, including background checks, social media reviews, and in-person interviews, all designed to ensure national security and identify potential threats. Lakanwal successfully passed these reviews and was granted asylum in April 2025. This raises critical questions about the intersection of mental health assessments and security vetting. While vetting focuses on past actions, affiliations, and potential threats, it may not be adequately equipped to identify or address evolving mental health crises that could lead to future instability, especially if individuals are reluctant or unable to articulate their internal struggles. The system, designed for security, might not fully capture the human cost of trauma and displacement.
The tragic shooting in Washington, D.C., which resulted in the death of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and left Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, hospitalized, has inevitably drawn political commentary. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Sunday that Lakanwal was "radicalized since he’s been here in this country," suggesting connections within his "home community and state." However, she provided no further details to substantiate this grave accusation. This claim immediately sparked concern among advocates for Afghan evacuees. Shawn VanDiver, President of AfghanEvac, a nonprofit advocating for Afghans who worked with the U.S. military, swiftly countered, stating, "This violent act does not reflect the Afghan community, which continues to contribute across the United States and undergoes some of the most extensive vetting of any immigrant population." This highlights the sensitive nature of such claims and the potential for them to unfairly stigmatize an entire community that has already endured immense hardship.
The ongoing investigation into Lakanwal’s motive and potential radicalization is complicated by his current medical condition. Shot during the attack, he remains hospitalized, sedated, and on a ventilator, making it impossible for investigators to interview him. U.S. intelligence analysts are meticulously combing through his communications and online footprint for any signs of international coordination or ideological radicalization. However, early reviews of his social media and messaging channels have not yet revealed any links to foreign handlers or extremist groups, casting further doubt on the "radicalization" claims and pointing back to the profound personal struggles documented in the case worker’s emails.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the multifaceted challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers, particularly those with military backgrounds who have endured immense trauma. The transition to a new life, often without adequate mental health support, can exacerbate pre-existing conditions or trigger new ones. Lakanwal’s story underscores a critical gap in the resettlement process: while robust vetting systems are in place for security, the corresponding mental health infrastructure for individuals carrying the invisible wounds of war and displacement may be insufficient. The isolation, financial hardship, and unaddressed trauma, as detailed in the 2024 emails, paint a compelling picture of a man spiraling downwards, ultimately leading to an unspeakable act of violence. As the investigation continues, the complex interplay of mental health, trauma, the resettlement experience, and the quest for understanding will remain at the forefront, challenging both security paradigms and humanitarian responsibilities.
