West Virginia Governor says National Guard member who survived D.C. attack is 'slowly healing'

Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, a member of the National Guard who survived last months deadly shooting near the White House, is "gradually recovering," West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey reported on Friday.

The attack, which occurred a day before Thanksgiving, claimed the life of Wolfe's fellow soldier, 20-year-old Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, when a gunman opened fire on a street in Washington, D.C. Both soldiers had been deployed under a federal order to assist in crime control within the capital.

Governor Morrisey shared that Wolfe's head injury "is slowly improving," citing updates provided by the soldiers parents. Wolfe, 24, is expected to require two to three more weeks of intensive care as part of his ongoing recovery. His family has maintained a hopeful outlook regarding his condition.

"Hes beginning to look more like himself," Morrisey quoted from Wolfes parents. Initially, Wolfe had been reported in critical condition, and President Donald Trump commented shortly after the incident that Wolfe was "in very bad shape."

The alleged attacker, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who was also injured during the November 26 shooting, appeared virtually in court from a hospital bed on Tuesday. Lakanwal faces charges including first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill while armed, illegal firearm possession, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

A vigil honoring Wolfe was scheduled for Friday evening at Musselman High School in Inwood, West Virginia, his former school, according to the governor.

Author: Ava Mitchell