CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) — A West Virginia National Guard member remains in serious condition following a shocking daytime shooting in Washington, D.C. that occurred last week.
24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe displayed positive signs of recovery, responding to medical staff by giving a thumbs-up and wiggling his toes, as reported by Governor Patrick Morrisey.
The Wolfe family is asking the public to keep Andrew in their thoughts and prayers as he continues to battle for his life. Tragically, fellow Guard member 20-year-old U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom lost her life during the incident.
Morrisey stated he is unable to provide funeral arrangements for Beckstrom out of respect for her family’s wishes.
The shooting occurred just blocks from the White House where Wolfe and Beckstrom were on duty as part of a crime-fighting initiative related to President Donald Trump’s federalization plan for D.C. police.
Investigators are currently working to establish the motive behind the shooting. An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged with first-degree murder and assault in connection with the incident.
In light of the shooting, the Trump administration has paused asylum decisions for Afghan nationals and delayed visa processing for individuals traveling on Afghan passports.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Trump has requested the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard members in Washington. Currently, approximately 2,200 troops are on assignment in the city, ensuring public safety amid these ongoing security concerns.
Governor Morrisey affirmed that the current focus revolves around the well-being of those on ground, especially the 170 service members whose deployment has been extended to the end of the year.
