Family of Critically Wounded National Guard Member Meets Trump at White House

President Donald Trump on Dec. 4 hosted the family of Andrew Wolfe, one of the West Virginia National Guard members shot in Washington.

Wolfe was shot and critically injured in an attack near the White House on Nov. 26, which authorities allege was carried out by an Afghan national. Another National Guard member, Sarah Beckstrom, was killed as a result of the shooting.

Trump stated in a Truth Social post that Wolfe is currently in the process of recovery.

“The great family of Andrew Wolfe—Our wonderful National Guardsman who was badly injured protecting the Capital of the United States of America. He is in the process of healing,” he stated.

“His parents, brother, and all of his friends are praying. I just met them in the Oval Office—They are fantastic American Patriots.”

The president shared a photo of himself and First Lady Melania Trump with Wolfe’s family at the White House.

Earlier that day, Trump issued a proclamation directing that flags be flown at half-staff at all public buildings, military posts, and naval vessels through sunset to honor Beckstrom.

Trump previously said that he had spoken with Beckstrom’s family and invited them to the White House.

“The only thing I can say, they were devastated,” he told reporters on Nov. 30. “I said, ‘When you’re ready, because that’s a tough thing, come to the White House. We’re going to honor Sarah.”

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey thanked the president for the gesture to honor Beckstrom and asked people to keep praying for Wolfe. The governor said Wolfe continues to fight for his life.

“Andrew is still fighting with the strength and determination that define our West Virginia Guardsmen. His parents have shared only one request at every step: to keep the prayers coming,” he stated.

Authorities have charged the suspect—identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal—with first-degree murder, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.

Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News on Nov. 27 that the government also plans to bring terrorism charges against him.

Lakanwal made a virtual court appearance from his hospital bed on Dec. 2. He was injured in a shootout with the National Guard after he allegedly attacked Beckstrom and Wolfe. A lawyer entered a not guilty plea on his behalf.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told NBC News on Nov. 30 that the suspect may have been radicalized after entering the United States.

“We do believe it was through connections in his home community and state, and we’re going to continue to talk to those who interacted with him, who were his family members, who talk to them,” Noem said.

Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden-era resettlement program launched after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, according to U.S. officials.

Jackson Richman contributed to this report.