National Guardsman shot in DC is 'hanging on,' family pleading for prayer, congressman says

In a pressing call for hope and support, a West Virginia National Guardsman remains in critical condition following a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., earlier this week. Congressman Riley Moore, a representative from West Virginia, shared this update during an appearance on “FOX & Friends Weekend,” urging the public to hold Andrew Wolfe, 24, in their thoughts and prayers.

Representative Moore emphasized the family’s dedication to service, highlighting that Wolfe’s father serves as a deputy sheriff in a neighboring county. Wolfe himself, inspired by his father’s commitment, chose to serve his country as a member of the National Guard.

“Andrew is a true fighter,” Moore remarked during the broadcast. “His family has repeatedly expressed their belief in his resilience. What they are asking for more than anything is continued prayer. I have faith in the power of prayer, and I know his parents do as well. Please keep them in your prayers.”

The tragic incident has also claimed the life of another National Guard member, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, also from West Virginia. The shooting, which took place in the heart of the nation’s capital on Wednesday, has sent ripples of sorrow and concern through their communities.

National Guard shooting investigation and victim Andrew Wolfe

As Andrew Wolfe battles for his life, the call for collective support and spiritual solidarity echoes across the nation, underscoring the profound impact of this tragic event on those devoted to serving their country.

National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of West Virginia, died after the shooting on Wednesday in the nation’s capital.  

The alleged gunman, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, faces multiple charges, including one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Attorney General Pam Bondi said that the Justice Department would pursue the death penalty against the suspect. 

Beckstrom and Wolfe are members of the West Virginia National Guard, which was deployed to the nation’s capital to tackle crime in the city following an executive order from President Donald Trump earlier this year.

People in West Virginia stand next to poster of Sarah Beckstrom during vigil

People gather for a vigil in honor of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom in Webster Springs, W.Va., on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.  (Kathleen Batten/AP)

Lakanwal entered the United States on the heels of the disastrous withdrawal from Afghanistan in August 2021 under the Biden administration. Lakanwal arrived in the U.S. a month later under “Operation Allies Welcome.” 

“The president is taking the correct step by re-vetting these individuals. But in my view, he should have never been here. He should have never been in this country to begin with,” Moore said Saturday. “We had over 80,000 Afghan nationals piled into the United States, we don’t know these people. We don’t know who they are.”

“We have had terrorists come to the United States before. This is the first time that I can recall the United States government brought a terrorist into our country, into the United States,” he added. “After we had 13 of our service members killed at Abbey Gate, that continued failed policy just cost us another American life, by the Biden administration. We should not be in this position to begin with and beautiful young lady from West Virginia lost her life because of this failed policy by Joe Biden.” 

People embrace during vigil for National Guard shooting victim

People gather on Friday, Nov. 28, 2025, for a vigil in Webster Springs, W.Va., in honor of National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, one of two National Guard members who were shot in Washington, D.C., this week. (Kathleen Batten/AP)

Community members in Webster Springs, West Virginia, gathered Friday night for a vigil for Beckstrom and Wolfe.

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