Update on National Guard Member’s Recovery
A mother reports that her son, Andrew Wolf, has experienced a “miraculous” recovery after being shot in the head during a terrorist attack in Washington, D.C. weeks ago.
Wolf, alongside Sarah Beckstrom, was on patrol for the West Virginia National Guard on November 26 when they were ambushed by an armed assailant. Beckstrom tragically lost her life due to her injuries, while Wolf faced severe wounds.
After being airlifted to MedStar Washington Hospital Center for care, Wolf’s neurosurgeon, Dr. Jeffrey Mai, provided an encouraging update on Saturday.
“He is now breathing independently and can stand with assistance. This marks a significant milestone, showcasing his resilience and determination,” Mai explained. “Given these advancements, he is prepared to transition from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation—a crucial next step in his recovery.”
His mother, Melody Wolfe, also shared details about his ongoing progress.
“Andy is making incredible strides. Today, he sat up in his chair for a couple of hours and was moving more on his right side. When I asked for a kiss on the cheek, he pulled me in for one then wrapped his arms around my neck in a hug,” she described.
“That moment was the most beautiful gift he gave me,” she added. “And just tonight, as friends visited him, he began smiling and laughing a bit! They were reminiscing and sharing photos of his fun times, sparking his smiles and little head shakes. It was wonderful to see so many people witness this.”
While he still can’t communicate verbally, she noted his ability to express himself has significantly improved.
“People have called his recovery miraculous, and we wholeheartedly believe God is at work,” she said. “The skilled and compassionate staff at the hospital have empowered our son to heal and ensured he is surrounded by an abundance of positivity and love!”
Wolf’s family expressed gratitude to everyone who has prayed for him during this time.
“We are confident he will continue to recover quickly, and we know your prayers are making a difference,” they stated. “Please keep praying as God supports Andrew in regaining strength for his role in the West Virginia National Guard and in his mission to be a shining light in this world. The support we’ve received from Andy’s military family, his hometown, and citizens across the nation has been phenomenal.”
The individual responsible for the attack has been arrested; he has been named Rahmanullah Rakanwar, a 29-year-old Afghan who previously served alongside the CIA and fled to the U.S. following the military withdrawal from Afghanistan.
