An injured National Guard member from West Virginia is showing some positive signs after being critically hurt in a recent D.C. shooting that left another soldier dead. According to West Virginia’s Governor Patrick Morrisey, Andrew Wolfe, 24, was able to give thumbs-up signals and wiggle his toes. Morrisey spoke about Wolfe’s condition during a press briefing on December 1.
“We see this as a hopeful sign,” Morrisey shared with the media. Wolfe’s mother has asked for prayers for her son, as she and the family face this extraordinary challenge. “They are wonderful people going through a tough time as Andrew continues to fight for his life,” he added.
Wolfe, who hails from Martinsburg, West Virginia, was gravely wounded in the November 26 incident that resulted in the tragic death of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom from Summersville. Sadly, Beckstrom, only 20 years old, lost her life on Thanksgiving, just a day after the shooting.
A 29-year-old Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is facing first-degree murder charges connected to the incident occurring a short distance from the White House.
Around 170 National Guard members from West Virginia had been deployed to Washington, D.C., as part of an initiative by President Donald Trump to combat crime in the area. The governor noted these troops volunteered for their duty.
“I feel for the families of the two individuals who were horrifically attacked in Washington, D.C.,” Morrisey stated. “They knew they were taking part in a mission designed to reduce crime in the District, and by all accounts, it’s been making a difference.”
Get to Know Andrew Wolfe: The Injured Guard Member
Residents of West Virginia are rallying for Andrew Wolfe’s recovery. Morrisey mentioned he had just attended a vigil for Wolfe in his hometown of Martinsburg, which consists of about 18,000 people in the eastern part of the state.
Wolfe graduated high school in 2019 from Musselman High School in Inwood, where Principal Alicia Riggleman described him as an “active, engaged and high-achieving student.”
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Sergeant Wolfe, his family, and others healing from injuries in the line of duty,” Riggleman expressed in a statement. “The Musselman High School community is proud of our service members and wishes them strength during this time of healing.”
The school has urged its community to keep all enlisted West Virginia Guard members in their thoughts during this challenging time. “We stand together as one family of West Virginia,” the statement concluded.
Wolfe enlisted in February 2019 and is part of the Force Support Squadron, 167 Airlift Wing, as confirmed by a news release from the West Virginia National Guard.
Remembering Beckstrom: A Life Cut Short
The governor also highlighted a vigil honoring Sarah Beckstrom, saying, “She was an incredible woman who brightened lives with her smile.” Morrisey reflected on the deep impact of Beckstrom’s passing and termed her loss as a tragic outcome of a senseless act of terrorism.
High-ranking officials, including President Trump, referred to her as a “magnificent person.”
Beckstrom joined the military in June 2023 and was assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, according to the West Virginia National Guard.
Her high school, Webster County High School in Upperglade, expressed their shock over the incident, reminiscing about Beckstrom’s resilience and dedication. “Her choice to serve our nation reflects the best of our Highlander students,” they declared in a heartfelt statement on social media.
Contributing by Bart Jansen
This article first appeared in USA TODAY: Signs of Hope: Injured Soldier in D.C. Shooting Gives Thumbs-Up
