A West Virginia National Guard service member critically injured in last week’s shooting in Washington, D.C., has begun showing positive signs of recovery, according to Gov. Patrick Morrisey. The update comes as investigators continue working to determine why two young Guard members were targeted in a daylight attack just steps from the nation’s core political district.
The survivor, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was shot alongside fellow service member U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, during their deployment in the capital. Wolfe remains in serious condition but responded to medical staff by giving a thumbs-up and moving his toes, Morrisey said in a briefing Monday.
Morrisey emphasized that Wolfe’s family is asking for continued public prayers and privacy as he undergoes critical care.
“Andrew is still fighting for his life. He needs every prayer we can offer,” the governor said.
Beckstrom, who died in the attack, had been serving as part of a federally directed operation that stationed National Guard personnel in Washington under a public-safety initiative linked to President Donald Trump’s crime-reduction strategy. The two service members were shot Wednesday near Farragut West Station, only blocks from the White House.
Suspect Identified as Afghan National, Motive Still Under Investigation
Authorities have charged Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, with first-degree murder and two assault counts. Lakanwal was also injured during the confrontation and remains hospitalized. Court proceedings have not yet been scheduled.
The shooting led to immediate federal policy action, including a temporary halt on asylum decisions and a pause on issuing visas to individuals traveling with Afghan passports, according to officials.
You can track federal immigration policy updates on the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website: Department of Homeland Security.
National Guard Presence Expected to Grow
Following the attack, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Trump requested an additional 500 National Guard personnel for deployment to Washington. However, Morrisey stated Monday that West Virginia has not yet been asked to supply more troops.
Currently, about 2,200 service members are assigned to the joint federal task force in the city. West Virginia initially deployed more than 300 Guard members in August; in mid-November, approximately 170 volunteers agreed to extend their service through the end of the year.
“Our priority remains the well-being of the 170 West Virginians still on the ground, and supporting the families affected by this tragedy,” Morrisey said.
White House Honors Both Service Members
During a Christmas event at the White House—described by aides as the first of the season—President Trump paid tribute to Beckstrom and Wolfe for their service, underscoring their role in protecting the nation during a period of heightened security measures.
For information on National Guard missions and updates, visit the National Guard Bureau’s official website here: National Guard Bureau.
