A member of the West Virginia National Guard, who was critically injured in a shocking daytime shooting last week in Washington, D.C., is showing encouraging signs of responsiveness, according to state officials. Governor Patrick Morrisey provided the update on Monday, stating that the wounded airman, identified as 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, remains in serious condition but managed to give a thumbs-up and wiggle his toes in response to a nurse.
Attack Near the White House
The incident occurred on Wednesday just blocks away from the White House. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and his colleague, 20-year-old U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, were shot while deployed as part of a federalized crime-fighting initiative in the capital. Tragically, Spc. Beckstrom lost her life in the attack. Governor Morrisey conveyed the Wolfe family's request for public prayers, emphasizing, "Andrew is still fighting for his life. Andrew needs prayers." Details regarding funeral arrangements for Beckstrom are being withheld to respect her family's wishes.
Suspect and Immediate Fallout
Investigators are actively working to establish a motive for the brazen assault. The alleged shooter, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been formally charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault. Authorities reported that Lakanwal was also shot during the confrontation and remains hospitalized; a court date has not been set.
The shooting triggered immediate policy repercussions from the Trump administration. In response, all asylum decisions and the issuance of visas for individuals traveling on Afghan passports have been temporarily halted. Furthermore, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that President Trump requested an additional 500 National Guard members be sent to Washington. Governor Morrisey noted he has not yet received a request to deploy more troops from West Virginia.
Troop Deployment and Current Focus
The security landscape in Washington involves a significant military presence. According to the latest government update, nearly 2,200 troops are currently assigned to the joint task force operating in the city. This includes a contingent from West Virginia, with over 300 of its National Guard members deployed initially in August. In a mid-November development, up to 170 of these personnel volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year, while others returned home.
Governor Morrisey outlined the current priorities in the wake of the tragedy. "Our sole focus right now is looking after the well-being of the 170 service members who are on the ground, focusing on the family, assuring that prayers are going out," he stated. The community and the nation now watch closely for further developments in the investigation and the recovery of Staff Sgt. Wolfe.
