Governor says National Guard member is "making gradual progress" after D.C. shooting

Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe is making gradual progress after being injured in a shooting incident in Washington, D.C. last week, according to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey. The Governor shared that Wolfes parents reported that his head injury is improving slowly and that he is starting to "appear more like himself."

Governor Morrisey mentioned that the 24-year-old is expected to remain in acute care for another two to three weeks, though his family remains hopeful about his recovery.

Wolfe, along with Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, was shot in a targeted ambush in Washington, D.C. last week. Tragically, Beckstrom, 20, succumbed to her injuries on November 27th.

The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was shot during the altercation and later apprehended by authorities. Lakanwal faces multiple charges, including murder, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a violent crime. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

During a press conference, Governor Morrisey shared that Wolfe was able to respond to a nurse with a thumbs-up and showed signs of movement in his toes, which was considered a positive development in his recovery.

Wolfe, who hails from Martinsburg, West Virginia, has been a member of the West Virginia Air National Guard since February 2019. He is currently assigned to the Force Support Squadron of the 167th Airlift Wing. In addition to his military service, Wolfe has been employed as a lineman with Frontier Communications since early 2023, the company confirmed.

Author: Lucas Grant