New DelhiThe Afghan man Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was charged last week with shooting two National Guard members close to the White House, had long struggled. Those who knew him claim that he was unable to maintain a job, frequently spent days by himself in a dark room, and then abruptly left on lengthy road trips across the nation. Earlier this year, a community advocate who worked with Afghan families even contacted a refugee organization out of concern that he might hurt himself.
The Associated Press examined emails that revealed months of cautions regarding his conduct and mental well-being. His life in the United States had become increasingly challenging, as these messages make more evident.
After the attack, shockOn Wednesday, right before Thanksgiving, there was a shooting. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, suffered critical injuries and West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed. Lakanwal, 29, is accused of first-degree murder after being taken into custody.
When they saw his name in the news, the community member who voiced concerns about him said they were taken aback. They said they never thought he would hurt someone else and recalled him as a father who played with his young sons.
Lakanwal served in a unique Afghan Army "Zero Unit" that collaborated closely with US forces prior to moving to the US. Following the United States' withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, he came to the United States under Operation Allies Welcome.
Along with his wife and five young sons, he relocated to Bellingham, Washington. However, emails to the US Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) indicate that he was having trouble adjusting.
He stopped working in March 2023 and has struggled ever since, according to a January 2024 email. It detailed extended periods of time when he was by himself in a dimly lit room and didn't speak to anyone, not even his wife or older kids. Due to months of unpaid rent, the family even faced eviction.
He occasionally made progress, attempting to reestablish contact with state services and complete requirements related to his resettlement. However, the emails detail abrupt "manic" episodes during which he would travel across the nation without stopping, including visits to Arizona and Chicago.
worries about his familyConcerns regarding the children's welfare were also expressed in emails. The kids reportedly didn't get a bath, their clothes weren't changed, and they weren't eating well when his wife went out of town for a week to see relatives. Problems were also observed at their school.
He occasionally refused to respond to adults in the house, so his younger children had to deliver messages to him. In March 2024, USCRI personnel paid Bellingham a visit to see how he and his family were doing following the warning emails. The community advocate claimed they never received a response and thought Lakanwal had turned down assistance.