West Virginia National Guard Member Shows Signs of Recovery After Shooting

Mon Dec 01 2025 23:30:32 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

24-year-old Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, a National Guard member shot during a violent incident in Washington, D.C., is showing positive signs, while the shooting has left another guard member deceased and an investigation is ongoing.

After being critically injured in a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, is demonstrating signs of recovery by responding to medical staff. Meanwhile, the shooting incident has resulted in the death of 20-year-old Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, raising concerns and inquiries about the motive behind the attack, which is linked to a suspect with Afghan nationality. Governor Patrick Morrisey urges the public to pray for Wolfe's recovery as authorities continue their investigation.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. --- A member of the West Virginia National Guard is in serious condition following a shooting in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, demonstrated some positive signs of recovery by responding to a nurse's questions during his hospital treatment.

Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on Monday that Wolfe's family is asking for public prayers as he continues to fight for his life. Tragically, another guard member, U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the morning shooting incident while they were deployed as part of President Trump's crime-fighting initiative intended to support law enforcement in the nation’s capital.

In light of the circumstances, Governor Morrisey expressed his condolences, stating, Andrew is still fighting for his life. Andrew needs prayers. Further details regarding funeral arrangements for Beckstrom are still being finalized, as the family has requested privacy during this difficult time.

The motive behind the shooting is under investigation, with the suspect identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who faces a charge of first-degree murder, among other assault charges. Authorities indicated he too was injured during the incident and remains in the hospital. His court appearance is yet to be scheduled.

This violent event has raised serious questions leading to the Trump administration taking steps to pause asylum decisions and halt visa issuances for Afghan passport holders. As a response, Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, reported that President Trump requested 500 additional National Guard members be deployed to Washington for enhanced security.

Currently, nearly 2,200 troops are assigned to the joint task force in Washington, with over 300 members from the West Virginia National Guard deployed. Morrisey remarks, Our sole focus right now is looking after the well-being of the 170 service members who are on the ground, assuring that prayers are going out. This violent incident marks a devastating moment for the West Virginia National Guard community as they rally around Wolfe and the grieving family of Beckstrom.