Injured National Guard Member Andrew Wolfe Is ‘Slowly Healing’: Gov. Morrisey

Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, one of the West Virginia National Guard members shot in last month’s attack in Washington, is “slowly healing” from his injuries, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said on Dec. 5.

Wolfe and Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, also a National Guard member, were shot in what U.S. authorities say was an ambush by an Afghan national near the White House on Nov. 26. Beckstrom died on Nov. 27, while Wolfe was left in critical condition.

Morrisey stated in an update on Dec. 5 that Wolfe’s head wound is improving, and he is beginning to “look more like himself,” quoting Wolfe’s parents.

Wolfe’s family said they expect him to remain in acute care for another two to three weeks as he continues recovering, according to the governor, adding that they have been “optimistic about his progress.”

“We continue to ask all West Virginians and Americans for their prayers! They are making a difference,” Morrisey said.

The governor’s office stated that a vigil honoring Wolfe was scheduled to be held at Musselman High School in Berkeley County, West Virginia, on Dec. 5.

Prior to the update, President Donald Trump hosted Wolfe’s family at the White House and said that Wolfe is “in the process of healing.”

The president also issued a proclamation on Dec. 4 directing that flags be flown at half-staff at all public buildings, military posts, and naval vessels through sunset to honor Beckstrom. Trump said he has invited Beckstrom’s family to the White House.

Two Congress members from West Virginia, Reps. Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) and Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), introduced a resolution on Dec. 3 that honors the two National Guard members. A similar measure was also introduced in the Senate.

“This resolution sends a clear message that the American people stand with the Beckstrom family, Andrew Wolfe, and the whole West Virginia National Guard community,” Moore said in a statement. “We grieve this horrific and senseless attack, and continue to pray for these Guardsmen and their families.”

Wolfe and Beckstrom were among the National Guard members assigned to Joint Task Force-D.C., activated in August to support local and federal law enforcement efforts in restoring order in the nation’s capital.

A spokesperson for Joint Task Force-D.C. said on Nov. 26 that task force members were patrolling near the Farragut West Metro station when the attack occurred.

The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged 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.

Lakanwal, who entered the United States in September 2021 through a Biden-era resettlement program, was also injured in a shootout with the National Guard after he allegedly attacked Beckstrom and Wolfe.