National Guard member injured in shooting shows gradual improvement, says WV governor

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey provided an update on Friday regarding the condition of National Guard member Andrew Wolfe, stating that his head injury is "gradually improving" and that, according to his parents, "he's starting to resemble his normal self again."

The 24-year-old Wolfe was shot in November along with fellow Guard member Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, near the White House. Beckstrom tragically succumbed to her injuries from the incident.

Governor Morrisey noted that Wolfe's family anticipates he will require acute care for another two to three weeks, but they remain "hopeful about his recovery."

"We continue to ask all West Virginians and Americans to keep him in their thoughts and prayers," Morrisey said. "They are making a meaningful difference."

Earlier reports indicated that Wolfe had regained some mobility, including the ability to wiggle his toes and respond to medical staff with a thumbs-up gesture.

Both Wolfe and Beckstrom were deployed to Washington D.C. as part of the National Guard under President Donald Trump's administration. Trump met with Wolfe's family in the Oval Office on Thursday, sharing a photo on social media and calling the family "outstanding American patriots," and confirming Wolfe's ongoing recovery.

The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged in D.C. Superior Court with murder, assault with intent to kill while armed, and multiple firearms offenses. A magistrate judge has ordered Lakanwal held without bond, citing the strength of the government's case. His next hearing is scheduled for mid-January, and he has pleaded not guilty.

An Afghan national, Lakanwal previously assisted U.S. forces in Afghanistan as part of a CIA-supported "Zero Unit" in Kandahar. During a recent court appearance, he participated remotely from a D.C. hospital, where he was treated after being shot by another Guard member during the incident.

Author: Ethan Caldwell