National Guard member injured but showing ‘positive’ signs remains in serious condition

Andrew Wolfe, a 24-year-old member of the National Guard who was wounded in an ambush-style attack in Washington, DC last Wednesday, remains in serious condition but has displayed encouraging signs of progress, according to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey.

"The most important point is that Andrew is still fighting for his life," Governor Morrisey said during a Monday press briefing. He added that Wolfe responded to a nurses request to give a thumbs up and also moved his toes, which is seen as a positive indication of his recovery.

Wolfes parents have requested continued prayers for their son as he undergoes treatment. Wolfe, who serves as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Air Force, was shot while deployed to Washington, DC, as part of efforts to reduce crime. Another National Guard member from West Virginia, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, was also injured and tragically died from her wounds on Thursday. Governor Morrisey described Beckstrom as an incredible woman who inspired those around her and noted that her life was cut short too soon.

The suspect in the attack has been identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA in Afghanistan for over ten years. Lakanwal relocated to the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program that resettled vulnerable Afghans after the U.S. military withdrawal. He was granted asylum in 2024. Authorities report that Lakanwal faces at least one charge of first-degree murder, with additional charges expected. He was wounded during the incident and hospitalized, though his current condition and court status remain unclear.

Governor Morrisey also highlighted that West Virginia National Guard members volunteered to assist in Washington, DC, with 170 personnel still stationed in the capital to support local law enforcement. No specific date has been announced for their return to West Virginia.

Morrisey addressed earlier confusion regarding the status of the injured Guard members. Initial statements from his office mistakenly reported both as deceased, but the information was corrected within 20 minutes. He explained that the office strives to rely on the most credible sources for accurate information.

Following the shooting, the Trump administration filed an emergency motion to maintain National Guard presence in Washington, DC, after a court ruled that the deployment was unlawful. Officials in the city had argued that the troops deployment was unnecessary and infringed on local authority. Additionally, former President Trump requested 500 more National Guard members to be sent to the capital.

Author: Sophia Brooks