A National Guardsman injured in a shooting last week in Washington, D.C., is showing signs of recovery, according to an update relayed by West Virginia’s governor. The guardsman’s parents have reported he is beginning to “look more like himself,” Governor Patrick Morrisey announced.
Gov. Morrisey shared this encouraging news Friday evening at a prayer vigil held in honor of Andrew Wolfe at Musselman High School in Berkeley County, West Virginia. Wolfe, who is 24 years old and a graduate of the school, continues to recover from his injuries, as reported by WUSA9.
“His parents have shared that his head wound is gradually healing, and he is starting to resemble his usual self,” Morrisey stated. He added, “The family anticipates that Andy will remain in acute care for another two to three weeks, but they are optimistic about his progress. We urge all West Virginians and Americans to continue their prayers, as they are truly making a difference!”
Governor Morrisey conveyed the family’s hopefulness concerning Andrew Wolfe’s recovery after the National Guardsman was shot in Washington, D.C., last week. This update follows a moment of remembrance for National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, who was tragically killed during the attack. The flag at the White House was lowered to half-staff on December 4, 2025, in her memory.
The prayer vigil on Friday commenced with a moment of silence, honoring the 20-year-old Beckstrom, as covered by WUSA9.
The vigil began Friday with a moment of silence for National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old who was killed in the Nov. 26 shooting, WUSA9 reported.
Speaking about Wolfe, Morrisey said, “You are not alone. South Berkeley stands with you, and West Virginia and the whole country are praying for you,” the station added.
During an appearance on “Fox & Friends” on Friday, Attorney General Pam Bondi described Wolfe as a “miracle” who is now “able to open both eyes.”
Undated file photo of Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect in the shooting of two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C. (Provided by Department of Justice)
“Please continue to pray for Andy. I saw Andy. I’ve met with his mom. I talked to his mom constantly, Melody. His dad, Jason. He has a sister, a brother, an eight-month-old niece. They’re all in the hospital with him,” Bondi said Friday.
“He’s a miracle. From day one, his mother, Melody said, ‘My son is going to live. My son is going to be 100%.’ And I can say this because the parents let me. I was there when the doctors all came in the room after they had done an angiogram. He has no blood clots. He’s a miracle. And now he’s able to open both eyes,” Bondi added.
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. (Kathleen Batten/AP)
The suspected shooter is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. He faces charges of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.
