The West Virginia National Guard soldier injured during the 26 November shooting in Washington DC is gradually recovering, according to the state's governor. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was struck by gunfire while patrolling the capital alongside fellow guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who died from her wounds the following day.
Governor Patrick Morrisey reported on Friday that Wolfe, who sustained a head injury, has been making slow but noticeable progress. According to the governor, Wolfe's parents said his condition has been improving and that he has begun to regain his usual appearance. They anticipate he will remain in acute care for an additional two to three weeks.
Wolfe, who joined the guard in 2019 and has received several commendations, was sent to Washington in August after the Trump administration declared what it called a crime emergency, despite the city recently reporting its lowest violent crime levels in three decades.
The suspected gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was formally charged on Tuesday with multiple offenses, including first degree murder. Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 following the American military withdrawal, previously worked with the CIA as part of an Afghan counter terrorism force known as the Zero Unit. These units have faced allegations of human rights violations.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Trump administration implemented several new immigration restrictions. Initially, the White House suspended asylum processing for Afghan nationals, asserting that the prior administration was responsible for Lakanwals entry. He had been granted asylum in April during Donald Trumps second term. The administration later halted immigration applications from individuals in 19 countries, including Afghanistan, as outlined in a June presidential proclamation.
Governor Morrisey has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers in his state for sending guard members to Washington. Many troops and federal personnel have reported encountering limited criminal activity and have instead been assigned routine tasks such as trash collection.
State legislator Mike Pushkin stated to National Public Radio that Wolfe and Beckstrom, who joined the guard in 2023, would likely not have been exposed to danger had the deployment not been ordered. Following the attack, another guard member shot Lakanwal, who later appeared in court via video from his hospital bed. Federal officials have signaled that additional charges may be forthcoming.
US attorney general Pam Bondi confirmed that the death penalty is being considered in Lakanwals case. His next court hearing is scheduled for 14 January.
