Story perspectives

Afghan Veteran's Mental Health Issues Lead to Shooting

12/1/2025

Summary

Story summary

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is the Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., and he arrived in the United States in 2021.
Lakanwal faced PTSD from service with a CIA-backed Afghan unit and showed erratic behavior, including isolation.
Despite being vetted multiple times, community members raised mental health concerns before the attack, and his family said he could not maintain employment or care for his children.

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Story summary

Rahmanullah Lakanwal is the Afghan national accused of shooting two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., and he arrived in the United States in 2021.
Lakanwal faced PTSD from service with a CIA-backed Afghan unit and showed erratic behavior, including isolation.
Despite being vetted multiple times, community members raised mental health concerns before the attack, and his family said he could not maintain employment or care for his children.