D.C. National Guard Shooting Suspect Spent ‘Weeks on End’ in Isolation, Struggled with Mental Health, 2024 Emails Reveal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — New details have emerged about the mental health struggles of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the Afghan national accused of fatally shooting a West Virginia National Guard member and critically injuring another near the White House on November 26, 2025. According to internal emails from 2024, Lakanwal spent ‘weeks on end’ in isolation and exhibited signs of deteriorating mental health prior to the attack, raising questions about the adequacy of support systems for former U.S. government contractors and asylum seekers.
Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Pashtun from Khost Province, Afghanistan, was brought to the United States in 2021 under a special immigrant visa and granted asylum in April 2025. He had previously worked with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) in Afghanistan, receiving extensive paramilitary training and undergoing rigorous psychological and physical vetting. However, emails from 2024, obtained by CBS News, indicate that Lakanwal began experiencing significant mental health challenges after his arrival in the U.S.
The emails, sent between U.S. immigration officials and mental health professionals, describe Lakanwal as increasingly withdrawn and isolated. One official noted that he spent ‘weeks on end’ alone in his apartment, refusing to engage with neighbors or attend scheduled counseling sessions. Another email referenced concerns about his ability to adjust to life in America, citing symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Despite these warnings, Lakanwal was not placed under intensive mental health supervision or removed from the community. Instead, he was referred to local support services, which he reportedly did not utilize. The emails also reveal that some officials expressed concern about the lack of resources available to address the mental health needs of former Afghan allies, particularly those who had experienced trauma during their service.
The shooting has reignited debate over the integration and support of Afghan refugees and former U.S. government contractors. Critics argue that the U.S. government has failed to provide adequate mental health care and social support for individuals like Lakanwal, who may struggle to adapt to life in a new country after years of conflict and displacement.
On the day of the attack, Lakanwal approached two West Virginia National Guard members near the Farragut West metro station, firing at them before being subdued by one of the guardsmen. The victims were identified as 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom of Summersville, West Virginia. Beckstrom died from her injuries on November 27, while Wolfe remains in critical condition.
The incident has become a political flashpoint, with President Donald Trump calling for an additional 500 National Guard troops to be deployed to Washington, D.C., and demanding stricter immigration controls. Republican politicians have echoed calls for increased scrutiny of asylum seekers, while Democrats have criticized what they describe as anti-immigrant rhetoric.
Juliette Kayyem, a former high-ranking official in the U.S. homeland security apparatus, said the shooting highlights the need for better mental health screening and support for vulnerable populations. ‘We have a responsibility to ensure that those who have served our country, whether as soldiers or contractors, receive the care they need,’ Kayyem said. ‘This tragedy is a wake-up call.’
As the investigation continues, lawmakers are calling for a review of the mental health and integration programs for Afghan refugees and former U.S. government contractors. The case of Rahmanullah Lakanwal serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by individuals caught between two worlds, and the urgent need for comprehensive support systems to prevent future tragedies.