Long before Rahmanullah Lakanwal opened fire on two National Guard members near the White House, those closest to him watched a disturbing transformation.
New emails obtained by The Associated Press reveal that the 29-year-old former Afghan soldier had been unraveling for nearly two years, oscillating between “long, lightless stretches of isolation” and sudden, weeklong cross-country drives. The correspondence, sent by a community advocate in Washington state to a refugee support organization, warned that Lakanwal was becoming increasingly erratic and potentially suicidal.
Lakanwal now faces first-degree murder charges for the Wednesday shooting that killed Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically wounded Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24.
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According to the emails, Lakanwal’s decline began around March 2023. He quit his job and reportedly ceased functioning as a father and provider for his five young sons. The advocate described a man who would retreat into a darkened room for weeks, refusing to speak to his wife or children, leading to threats of eviction for unpaid rent.
When he wasn’t isolated, Lakanwal reportedly engaged in “reckless travel,” disappearing on nonstop drives to states like Arizona and Illinois. His behavior at home left his children neglected; during one absence by his wife, the emails allege the children went unbathed and poorly fed, prompting concern from their school.
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Despite these warning signs, the community advocate told investigators they were “stunned” by the violence, having feared Lakanwal would harm himself, not others.
Federal officials are considering a different motive. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated Sunday that investigators believe Lakanwal, who arrived in the U.S. in 2021 after serving in a CIA-backed “Zero Unit,” was “radicalized since he’s been here in this country.”
Noem cited potential connections in his home community but offered no specific evidence to support the claim.
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