The case surrounding the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., has revealed significant issues related to his mental health. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is accused of the attack, had a complex background marked by struggles after resettling in the U.S. following his time in Afghanistan.
D.C. Shooting Incident and Background
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome, aimed at resettling Afghan evacuees after the withdrawal from Afghanistan. He and his family, which includes his wife and five sons, settled in Bellingham, Washington. In the lead-up to the incident, reports indicate Lakanwal faced severe mental health dilemmas, leading to significant isolation.
Mental Health Struggles
According to emails from a case worker assisting Lakanwal’s family, he experienced considerable difficulties. The worker noted that Lakanwal had not held a job for over a year and was issued an eviction notice for nonpayment of rent before the attack. The emails indicate his mental health had deteriorated significantly, with descriptions of extended periods of isolation in a dark room.
- Lakanwal struggled with mental health challenges, including symptoms suggestive of PTSD.
- His behavior reportedly included manic episodes where he would leave the family’s residence.
- Since March 2023, he had reportedly not been functional as a father and provider.
Details of the Shooting
The incident occurred in January 2024 when Lakanwal shot two National Guard members. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, age 20, was killed, while Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, age 24, remains hospitalized. Reports indicate that Lakanwal was also injured during the attack and has been in critical condition.
Asylum and Investigations
Lakanwal applied for asylum in December 2024 and underwent extensive vetting before being granted asylum in April 2025. U.S. Department of Homeland Security officials indicated that he passed multiple background checks throughout the asylum process.
On January 31, 2024, a case worker detailed in an email that Lakanwal was spending time in seclusion and had not communicated with family members. The case worker’s insights raised concerns about Lakanwal’s mental health deterioration following traumatic experiences in Afghanistan.
Authorities’ Reactions
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem addressed the incident, suggesting that Lakanwal’s actions might have been influenced by radicalization within his community. However, there has been no evidence found tying him to extremist groups or foreign handlers in initial investigations.
Shawn VanDiver, President of AfghanEvac, emphasized that such violent acts do not represent the Afghan community at large, which actively contributes to society in the U.S. and undergoes rigorous vetting processes.
Conclusion
The tragic events surrounding Rahmanullah Lakanwal highlight the complex interplay of mental health challenges and the refugee experience. Investigations continue to uncover the full context of his actions and the events leading up to this incident.
