The tragic shooting incident that occurred near the White House, involving Afghan asylum seeker Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has raised significant concerns about mental health and the challenges faced by refugees in the United States. Lakanwal is accused of gunning down two members of the National Guard, a shocking act that has left the nation reeling. Investigations reveal that his behavior had been deteriorating for years, leading to a complex narrative of isolation, mental health struggles, and sudden outbursts of erratic behavior.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who is now 29 years old, previously served in a special Afghan Army unit known as a Zero Unit, which was backed by the CIA. After the fall of Kabul in 2021, he entered the United States through Operation Allies Welcome, a program designed to evacuate and resettle thousands of Afghans who had assisted U.S. forces. Lakanwal resettled in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five young sons, all under the age of 12. However, his journey in the U.S. was fraught with challenges that severely affected his mental well-being.
Emails obtained by The Associated Press show that Lakanwal's mental health had been a growing concern within his community. A local advocate, fearing for Lakanwal's well-being, reached out to the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) for assistance, indicating that he might be suicidal. A community member noted in January 2024 that Lakanwal had not been functional as a father or provider since March 2023, when he quit his job. "His behavior has changed greatly," the email stated, highlighting his struggle to assimilate and maintain stable employment.
Lakanwal's life became a cycle of isolation and reckless behavior. The community member described periods where he would spend weeks in a darkened room, refusing to communicate with anyone, including his family. Reports indicate that at one point, Lakanwal's family faced eviction due to unpaid rent, further exacerbating his mental decline. Concerned about his extreme depression, the community member expressed worries that he might harm himself, although there were no indications that he would resort to violence against others.
His family often had to intervene, sending their young sons to bring him messages or a phone, as he would not respond to anyone else. During times when his wife traveled to visit relatives, the children were reportedly neglected—left unbathed and not properly fed. Even the children's school raised alarms about their situation, emphasizing the dire circumstances Lakanwal's family was facing.
The emails revealed a troubling pattern of behavior where Lakanwal would oscillate between moments of engagement and episodes of manic activity. During these manic periods, he would undertake long, spontaneous drives across the country, sometimes traveling to places like Chicago or Arizona. Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney in Washington, D.C., stated that Lakanwal drove from Bellingham to the nation's capital to carry out the attack that critically injured two National Guard members.
Following the dissemination of these emails, the USCRI attempted to reach out to Lakanwal and his family in March 2024. However, the community member reported that after not receiving any updates, they were left with the impression that Lakanwal had declined their assistance. This lack of response highlights the broader challenges faced by refugees, especially those grappling with mental health issues.
The case of Rahmanullah Lakanwal serves as a stark reminder of the complexities surrounding refugee resettlement and the critical need for mental health support within these communities. As investigations continue, understanding the factors that led to this tragic event is essential in preventing similar incidents in the future and ensuring that refugees receive the help they need to rebuild their lives in a new country.