National Guardsman shot in DC is 'hanging on,' family pleading for prayer, congressman says
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Luigi Mangione apologizes for looking 'suspicious' in newly released body camera arrest footage

Luigi Mangione Breaks Silence: Apologizes for ‘Suspicious’ Appearance in Newly Released Body Camera Footage

Luigi Mangione appeared to offer an apology for appearing “suspicious” prior to…
Readers sound off on City Council salaries, isolated seniors and vegan holidays

Public Voices Rise: Debating City Council Salaries, Supporting Isolated Seniors, and Embracing Vegan Holidays

Raises at the top while retirees get suckered? In Manhattan, the recent…
Colorado repeat offender freed from jail less than two weeks before allegedly killing mother of three: report

Colorado Justice System Under Scrutiny: Repeat Offender Allegedly Murders Mother of Three Weeks After Release

A Colorado man with a history of repeated offenses is facing charges…
Chicago City Council meets as budget deadline looms and Mayor Brandon Johnson changes head tax proposal

Chicago City Council Races Against Budget Deadline as Mayor Brandon Johnson Revamps Head Tax Plan

In Chicago, city leaders are gearing up for what could be the…
Georgia high school shooting suspect looks dramatically different in court

Georgia High School Shooting Suspect’s Court Appearance Reveals Shocking Transformation

Colt Gray, the alleged shooter at Apalachee High School, made a court…
Random blue city stabbing death fuels new bail bill as ‘activists’ ripped for lack of crime crackdown: expert

Charlotte Sheriff Highlights Risks of Jail Overcrowding Following Recent Train Stabbings

In the wake of another stabbing incident on Charlotte’s light rail, Mecklenburg…
New cockpit audio reveals chaos as off-duty Alaska Airlines pilot tried to shut engines off mid-flight

Shocking Cockpit Audio Unveils Turmoil as Off-Duty Pilot Attempts Engine Shutdown in Mid-Air Drama

In a startling incident aboard a 2023 flight, a former Alaska Airlines…
Minnesota college administrator accused of impeding ICE arrest to protect student sexual predator

Minnesota College Official Allegedly Obstructs ICE Arrest to Shield Student Facing Sexual Predator Charges

A small private college in Minneapolis has found itself embroiled in controversy…
Met Gala 2026 celebrity co-chairs announced: Beyoncé and more

Beyoncé Takes the Spotlight as Met Gala 2026 Celebrity Co-Chair: Discover the Star-Studded Lineup

Let the excitement build as the Met Gala reveals its co-chairs for…
Sophie Kinsella, author of the best-selling 'Shopaholic' novels, dies at 55

Beloved ‘Shopaholic’ Series Author Sophie Kinsella Passes Away at 55: A Literary World in Mourning

Sophie Kinsella, the celebrated author behind “Confessions of a Shopaholic” and its…
Suspect identified in Kentucky State University shooting that left one student dead, another injured

Suspect Named in Kentucky State University Shooting: One Student Deceased, Another Injured

The individual charged with the campus shooting at Kentucky State University, which…
Grandmother suffers memory loss, needs tracheotomy to breathe following Queens beatdown

Queens Assault Leaves Grandmother with Memory Loss and Breathing Complications

An immigrant grandmother is now grappling with severe memory loss and relies…