CHARLESTON, W.Va. – A member of the West Virginia National Guard, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, remains in serious condition in a Washington, D.C. hospital following a shooting incident that occurred last week. Governor Patrick Morrisey reported that Wolfe has shown some positive signs, including responding to questions by giving a thumbs-up and wiggling his toes. His family has requested public prayers for his recovery.
Tragically, another member of the National Guard, 20-year-old U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, was killed during the shooting that took place just blocks from the White House. The service members were in the capital to assist as part of a crime-fighting initiative launched during President Donald Trump’s administration.
“Andrew is still fighting for his life,” said Morrisey. “He needs prayers.” The Governor has refrained from discussing funeral arrangements for Beckstrom out of respect for her family.
The shooting incident is currently under investigation, with authorities seeking to establish a motive. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of assault in connection with the shooting.
Lakanwal was also injured in the confrontation and remains hospitalized. As investigations unfold, the Trump administration has put a temporary halt to asylum decisions and paused visa issues for individuals holding Afghan passports.
In response to the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that Trump requested an increase in the number of National Guard troops deployed to D.C. However, Governor Morrisey stated that he has not been contacted to deploy additional West Virginia National Guard members.
Currently, there are approximately 2,200 troops serving in the city's joint task force. Over 300 West Virginia National Guard members were initially deployed, with some volunteers extending their deployment until the end of the year.
“Our focus is entirely on the well-being of those service members and their families,” Morrisey assured.
