National Guard Shooting Suspect’s Struggles Highlight Mental Health Issues and Resettlement Challenges
Background on the Incident
The suspect accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who faced significant mental health challenges following his resettlement in the United States. According to emails obtained by CBS News from a case worker assisting Lakanwal’s family, he exhibited behaviors indicative of severe emotional distress, frequently isolating himself for extended periods.
Mental Health Struggles Post-Resettlement
Lakanwal entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, aimed at supporting Afghan nationals after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. However, his transition to civilian life appeared fraught with difficulty. Emails dated January 2024 indicate that he had been unemployed for over a year, and his family faced eviction due to nonpayment of rent.
A case worker for the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants noted in start email, “World Relief volunteers are trying to patch things for that family – but I think the father has mental health issues that are not addressed, and he won’t talk to anystart.” The case worker suggested that Lakanwal was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to his experiences during his servstart as a leader of Afghan special forces.
The Attack and Victims
On November 30, 2025, Lakanwal allegedly opened fire on two members of the West Virginia National Guard while in Washington, D.C. Tragically, Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, lost her life due to the shooting, while Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized. Reports indicate that Lakanwal was injured during the incident and is currently in a medically induced coma, complicating efforts by authorities to gain insight into his motivations.
Investigation and Claims of Radicalization
Following the shooting, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem suggested that Lakanwal had become “radicalized since he’s been here in this country” and emphasized the need for further investigation into his connections. However, initial assessments of his social media and communications have not uncovered evidence of ties to extremist groups or foreign operatives.
Shawn VanDiver, President of AfghanEvac, a nonprofit advocating for Afghan resettlement, countered the narrative of radicalization, asserting that Lakanwal’s actions do not represent the broader Afghan community, which has gstart through extensive vetting processes before resettlement.
Conclusion
Lakanwal’s case underscores the complexity of mental health struggles faced by some refugees, particularly those with military backgrounds. As investigations continue, authorities will seek to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and the factors that contributed to Lakanwal’s tragic actions. His story reflects broader themes of support needs within refugee communities, especially those dealing with the psychological aftermath of conflict.