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Guardsman's condition improves after critical shooting
Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, is recovering from a severe head injury sustained in a late-November ambush near the White House, his family reported through West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey.
Family shares cautious optimism
Wolfe's parents, Jason and Melody, stated their son's head wound is gradually healing, and he is starting to resemble his former self. They anticipate he will remain in acute care for another two to three weeks but expressed hope about his progress.
"We know that there is a long road to go, but our faith keeps us hopeful. We remain grateful for the prayers and the support from people all over the world."
Jason and Melody Wolfe, via Metro News
Recent medical updates
Earlier this week, Governor Morrisey noted that Wolfe had responded to a nurse with a thumbs-up and could move his toes, marking small but significant steps in his recovery.
Background of the attack
Wolfe and fellow National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom, 20, were shot on November 26 in an ambush-style attack near the White House. Beckstrom died from her injuries. The suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, has been charged with first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill.
Lakanwal, who arrived in the U.S. in 2021, previously served in a CIA-backed counterterrorism unit in Afghanistan alongside American troops.
Political and community response
Governor Morrisey attended a vigil for Wolfe at Musselman High School in Inwood, West Virginia, where the guardsman was once a student. The event underscored the community's support for the recovering soldier.
Former President Donald Trump, who deployed 2,000 National Guard members to Washington, D.C., in August as part of an immigration and crime crackdown, has cited the shooting as justification for additional security measures. His administration has since canceled citizenship ceremonies for immigrants from 19 countries, including Afghanistan, under a travel ban announced earlier this year.
Call for continued support
Governor Morrisey urged West Virginians and Americans to keep Wolfe and his family in their prayers as he continues his recovery.
