National Guardsman making progress in recovery after being shot in Washington DC

A National Guardsman is gradually recovering following a serious shooting incident last month in Washington, D.C. Andrew Wolfe, 24, sustained a critical head injury, and his parents report that his condition is slowly improving. According to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, Wolfe is beginning to "look more like himself."

The family anticipates that the Air Force staff sergeant will remain in acute care for another two to three weeks, but they are encouraged by his progress, the governor noted in a public statement.

Staff Sgt. Wolfe was among two West Virginia National Guard members targeted when a gunman opened fire near the White House on November 26. His fellow guard member, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, tragically died from her injuries. Governor Morrisey urged residents of West Virginia and the wider American public to continue keeping the victims in their thoughts and prayers.

On Friday evening, the governor attended a vigil for Staff Sgt. Wolfe at Musselman High School in Inwood, West Virginia, where Wolfe had once been a student. During the vigil, a pastor shared a message from Wolfe's parents, Jason and Melody Wolfe, expressing cautious optimism: "We know that there is a long road to go, but our faith keeps us hopeful. We remain grateful for the prayers and support from people all over the world."

Earlier in the week, Governor Morrisey shared that Wolfe had responded positively to medical staff, giving a thumbs-up and moving his toes.

The suspected shooter, identified as Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged with first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill. Lakanwal previously served in a CIA-supported counterterrorism unit in Afghanistan before arriving in the United States in 2021.

Staff Sgt. Wolfe was part of the 2,000 National Guard personnel deployed to Washington, D.C., in August under an operation addressing immigration and crime in cities led by Democratic officials. Following the shooting, former President Donald Trump announced plans to send an additional 500 troops to the capital. The administration also cited the incident as justification for halting certain citizenship ceremonies for immigrants from 19 countries included in a previously issued travel ban, including Afghanistan.

Author: Gavin Porter