A chilling portrait is emerging of the man accused in the shooting near the White House, revealing a years-long descent into instability and isolation. Emails paint a disturbing picture of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan man, whose mental state deteriorated significantly in the months leading up to the tragic event.
The warnings began well over a year ago, with accounts detailing Lakanwal’s abrupt departure from work and a disturbing withdrawal from his family. He reportedly spent days locked in a darkened room, unresponsive to his wife and children, a stark contrast to the man they once knew.
These periods of profound isolation were punctuated by impulsive, cross-country road trips. He traveled to cities like Chicago and Arizona, seemingly driven by an internal restlessness that escalated as his condition worsened.
Attempts to help Lakanwal were met with resistance and unpredictable behavior. Advocates described episodes of “manic” energy, where he would abruptly leave home for days, leaving his family to cope with the consequences.
The situation grew increasingly dire as Lakanwal abandoned English classes and struggled to maintain even short-term employment. His children sometimes arrived at school unkempt, a heartbreaking sign of his unraveling.
Despite fears for his well-being, those who tried to assist him never detected any indication of potential violence towards others. The concern centered on self-harm, a tragically misdirected assessment in hindsight.
Just days before Thanksgiving, Lakanwal’s deterioration culminated in a devastating act of violence. He allegedly opened fire near the White House, claiming the life of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically injuring Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24.
The shooting sent shockwaves through Washington, D.C., and ignited a critical examination of the system’s failure to intervene despite numerous red flags. Investigators are now meticulously reviewing the warnings and attempting to understand the factors that contributed to this tragedy.
Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. in 2021 as part of Operation Allies Welcome, having previously served in a CIA-backed unit of the Afghan Army. Advocates note that some former members of these units carry deep trauma from years of conflict, a potential factor being explored by investigators.
Those who knew Lakanwal express disbelief and sorrow, recalling moments of tenderness with his young sons amidst his growing struggles. They are now cooperating with authorities, hoping to provide insight into the events that led to this devastating outcome.
Lakanwal is currently charged with first-degree murder, and Staff Sgt. Wolfe remains hospitalized. The investigation continues, seeking answers and striving to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
