Afghan Veterans Confront Trauma and Isolation in the U.S.

For years before he allegedly traveled across the country and shot two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal struggled with severe mental health issues. He would sometimes isolate himself for weeks on end or experience “manic” episodes during which he would embark on lengthy drives in the family car, according to emails sent by a community advocate working to help him and his family. The advocate suggested that Lakanwal suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder related to his time fighting the Taliban with the U.S. military , and dealt with challenges adjusting to his new life in Washington state.

“Rahmanullah was a man who was extremely proud and capable in the world he came from, who felt defeated in the world he came to,”