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West Virginia Guardsman Wakes from Coma After D.C. Shooting; Governor Urges Continued Prayers
Washington D.C. – Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, has shown a “positive sign” of recovery after being critically injured in last week’s shooting in Washington, D.C., West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced today. Wolfe, who had been in an induced coma, responded to a nurse with a thumbs-up and was able to move his toes.
Governor Morrisey, however, cautioned against speculation regarding Wolfe’s full recovery, emphasizing the family’s sole request for continued prayers. “Andrew needs prayer,” Morrisey stated during a news conference. “That’s the only request his mother had – please ask people to continue to pray.”
The incident also claimed the life of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who Governor Morrisey remembered as “an amazing woman who lifted up people with her smile.”
Community vigils held across West Virginia have highlighted the profound impact Beckstrom had on those around her. Morrisey condemned her death as a “terrible act of terrorism” and confirmed that flags will remain at half-staff indefinitely in her honor.
Approximately 170 West Virginia National Guard members remain deployed in Washington, D.C., on a voluntary basis, a mission Governor Morrisey described as “noble service.”
Maj. Gen.
Jim Seward, Adjutant General for the West Virginia National Guard, spoke of the profound grief felt throughout the Guard community, including members stationed overseas. “We are a family of over 6,000,” Seward said.
“When we lose one, every guardsman I’ve talked to is grieving.” He commended the Guard members on the scene in D.C. for their professional conduct, stating, “They performed their duties as they have been trained.
We remain confident in their ability.”
Governor Morrisey confirmed he has spoken with President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi and expressed confidence in a “complete and full investigation” into the shooting. He reiterated that the state would not speculate on the details, asserting, “We’re going to talk about this based on facts. Justice must be done – and it will be done through our criminal justice system.”
The suspect in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was shot by another Guard member and is currently hospitalized and in custody. The 29-year-old Afghan national, who previously worked with the CIA, had reportedly been experiencing mental health challenges in recent years, according to a social worker assisting his family with resettlement.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced that Lakanwal will be charged with first-degree murder, in addition to previous charges of assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.