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.

You May Also Like

Tennessee urges Paramount to leave California amid $110 billion merger battle

Tennessee Courts Paramount to Ditch California as $110B Merger Showdown Intensifies

A Republican-led state is mounting a high-profile effort to entice Paramount Skydance…
Mississippi teen Cordarius Hobbs worked for elderly couple before fatal shooting

Mississippi Teen Cordarius Hobbs Had Ties to Elderly Couple Before Fatal Shooting

A Mississippi teenager accused of fatally shooting an elderly couple had known…
New Hampshire resentencing gives Dartmouth killer Robert Tulloch a parole path after Supreme Court ruling

New Hampshire Resentencing Opens Parole Path for Dartmouth Killer Robert Tulloch After Supreme Court Ruling

Robert Tulloch, sentenced as a teenager to life in prison without parole…
Massive T. rex fossil roars to $50 million sale, becoming one of the priciest ever auctioned

T. rex Fossil Sells for $50 Million in One of the Most Expensive Dinosaur Auctions Ever

A Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton known as “Gus” fetched $50.1 million at Sotheby’s…
NY police car catches fire, troopers injured in 3-car collision

New York Police Cruiser Catches Fire in 3-Car Crash, Troopers Injured

A New York State Police cruiser was consumed by flames and heavy…
Dem lawmaker says Constitution barred police from stopping her after alleged 100 mph speeding

Democratic Lawmaker Claims Constitution Barred Police Stop After Alleged 100 MPH Speeding

Paul Pelosi faces misdemeanor hit-and-run charge in Napa County Paul Pelosi, the…
Judge revokes bond for Idaho mother who blamed twin toddlers' deaths on vaccines

Idaho Mom Who Blamed Vaccines for Twin Toddlers’ Deaths Has Bond Revoked by Judge

Andrea Shaw is charged with two counts of first-degree murder in connection…
Placer County domestic violence suspect found hiding in haystack

Placer County Domestic Violence Suspect Discovered Hiding in Haystack, Deputies Say

A domestic violence suspect in California discovered he had few places left…
ICE officer hailed as hero after saving driver injured in Missouri crash

ICE Officer Praised for Saving Injured Driver After Missouri Crash

An Immigration and Customs Enforcement officer in Missouri is receiving recognition from…
Judge unloads $176K penalty on Murdaugh podcaster Mandy Matney after finding subpoena defiance

Judge Imposes $176K Penalty on Murdaugh Podcaster Mandy Matney Over Subpoena Defiance

Nancy Grace slams Alex Murdaugh retrial: ‘Second verse, same as the first’…
'Runaway Train': Chuck Grassley Torches Jack Smith, Accuses Him of Obtaining Texts of Dozens of Lawmakers

Grassley Blasts Jack Smith Over Alleged Collection of Lawmakers’ Texts

Fresh allegations involving former Special Counsel Jack Smith are intensifying scrutiny of…
Police say Canadian woman slapped teen over Trump and ICE clothing before ICE detained her

Canadian Woman Accused of Slapping Teen Over Trump, ICE Apparel Later Detained by ICE

A Canadian woman living in New Jersey is facing criminal charges after…