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
NYPD officer struck by suspect fleeing in stolen car, leading fellow cop to shoot driver

NYPD Officer Struck by Suspect Fleeing in Stolen Car; Fellow Officer Shoots Driver

An NYPD sergeant was struck by a stolen vehicle during a chase…
Serena Williams returns to singles tennis at Wimbledon after accepting wild card invitation

Serena Williams to Make Singles Tennis Comeback at Wimbledon on Wild Card

June 21, 2026 / 3:52 PM EDT / AP Serena Williams is…
Spencer Pratt reveals what's next after LA mayoral defeat

Spencer Pratt Shares His Next Move After Los Angeles Mayoral Defeat

Spencer Pratt waged an unexpected mayoral challenge against incumbent Los Angeles Mayor…
Minnesota AG Keith Ellison erupts after being asked about fraud scandal

Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Responds Sharply to Questions About Fraud Scandal

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison reacted sharply when questioned about his response…
U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 2, leaves 6 survivors, in the eastern Pacific

U.S. Strike on Suspected Drug Boat in Eastern Pacific Kills 2, Leaves 6 Survivors

The U.S. military carried out another strike Sunday on a boat it…
EXCLUSIVE: Meet the man Israel chose to be its first-ever ambassador to the Christian world

Israel’s First Ambassador to the Christian World: Meet the Man Behind the Historic Role

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has created a new diplomatic post aimed…
Polymarket predicts win for Espaillat, Lander, Valdez and Lasher

Polymarket Election Odds Favor Espaillat, Lander, Valdez and Lasher

With limited polling available before Tuesday’s closely watched contested congressional primaries in…
Goose ‘reeling’ after dad Paul Kueker fell to his death at Madison Square Garden concert — pays tribute in Central Park

Goose Honors Paul Kueker in Central Park After Fatal Fall at Madison Square Garden Concert

Connecticut jam band Goose said they were devastated to learn, just after…
PHOTOS | Storms move over the First Coast Sunday afternoon

Photos: Storms Sweep Across the First Coast Sunday Afternoon

Storms and pockets of heavy rain swept through parts of the First…
US military conducts strike on another vessel carrying alleged narco-traffickers, killing 2

US Military Strike on Suspected Drug-Trafficking Vessel Kills 2

The U.S. military said Sunday it carried out a deadly strike on…
Revealed the mysterious blonde behind Trump's cryptic post

Mysterious Blonde in Trump’s Cryptic Post Identified

President Trump stirred a wave of online speculation late Saturday after sharing…

AG Blanche Says World Cup Shooting Suspect May Be Dead as Police Remain on Alert

AG Blanche slams Pritzker for refusing help as Chicago crime surges Acting…