INWOOD, W.Va. – The West Virginia National Guard member, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who survived a recent shooting incident in Washington, D.C., is reportedly making progress in his recovery, as stated by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey. Wolfe sustained a head wound during the ambush on November 26, and his family has been informed that he is beginning to “look more like himself,” signaling a slow but positive healing process.

Wolfe, along with Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, were attacked while on duty, patrolling a subway station just three blocks away from the White House. Tragically, Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries the following day, highlighting the grave consequences of the incident. In the aftermath of the shooting, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was also involved in the confrontation and received injuries, has been charged with murder. Lakanwal has entered a plea of not guilty in the case.

According to Governor Morrisey, Wolfe's family anticipates that he will remain in acute care for an additional two to three weeks as he continues his recovery process. The governor has urged the community of West Virginia and Americans across the country to keep Wolfe in their thoughts and prayers during this challenging time.

A vigil has been organized at Wolfe's alma mater, Musselman High School in Berkeley County, aimed at honoring both him and Spc. Beckstrom. Wolfe, age 24, hails from Martinsburg, West Virginia, approximately 75 miles northwest of the nation’s capital, and serves in the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing of the West Virginia Air National Guard. He began working with Frontier Communications as a lineman earlier in 2023, marking a transition into civilian life.

Having enlisted in the National Guard in 2019, Wolfe's commitment to service comes shortly after his high school graduation. His principal, Alicia Riggleman, lauded him as an engaged and high-achieving student, emphasizing his positive contributions to both the academic and athletic culture at Musselman High School.

Wolfe and Beckstrom were part of a larger deployment of over 2,000 troops sent to Washington, D.C., under a mission aimed at crime-fighting, which involved the National Guard taking on additional duties usually handled by the local police department. This deployment was part of President Donald Trump's strategy for addressing crime in the capital.

The community continues to rally around Wolfe and honors the memory of Spc. Beckstrom, as both individuals represented the dedication and service of the National Guard. Wolfe’s ongoing recovery is a testament to his resilience, and the support from his family, the National Guard, and the community is crucial during this time.