Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan man charged with the deadly shooting of two National Guard members close to the White House last week, has displayed a disturbing trajectory of mental health decline for several years. This tragic incident occurred just before the Thanksgiving holiday.
Communications obtained by the Associated Press point to a growing concern about Lakanwal’s deteriorating mental condition, which ultimately culminated in the violent shooting. As an asylum seeker who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, Lakanwal struggled to adapt to life in America, exhibiting signs of severe isolation and unpredictable behavior.
Following the attack, many who knew Lakanwal expressed shock, citing their memories of him as a caring father to his young children, contrasting sharply with the violence that seemed impossible for them to reconcile with the man they once knew. The victims, West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, were ambushed during the incident, with Beckstrom later succumbing to her injuries.
Describing his struggles, emails highlighted Lakanwal's erratic behavior that transitioned from "long periods of dark isolation" to impulsive long-distance travels across the country, raising alarms within the community. Despite advocates reaching out for support on his behalf, Lakanwal declined assistance, further exacerbating concerns over his mental stability.
With Lakanwal now facing serious charges including first-degree murder, the unsettling circumstances surrounding this incident prompt critical conversations about the challenges faced by those rebuilding their lives after fleeing significant danger in their home countries.
