Charleston, W.Va. — Updates on National Guard Members Shot in D.C.

A member of the West Virginia National Guard who suffered severe injuries in a daylight shooting in Washington, D.C. last week is still in critical condition but beginning to show some signs of responsiveness. According to Governor Patrick Morrisey, 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff Andrew Wolf has managed to give a thumbs up and wiggle his toes when prompted by nurses.

Morrisey shared that Wolf’s family is asking for public prayers for his recovery. Tragically, another member of the West Virginia National Guard, 20-year-old U.S. Army Special Forces member Sarah Beckstrom, lost her life in the same incident.

Morrisey expressed that Andrew is “still fighting for his life” and emphasized the importance of prayers. While details regarding Beckstrom’s funeral remain private at the request of her family, Morrisey acknowledged the sensitive nature of the situation.

Beckstrom and Wolf were targeted just blocks away from the White House while deployed as part of President Trump’s initiative to reform the D.C. Police Department into a federally managed force. Investigators are currently trying to uncover the motive behind the shooting. A suspect, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Rakanwal, faces charges including first-degree murder and multiple counts of assault.

It was noted that Rakanwal, who sustained injuries during the incident, is still hospitalized and has not yet made a court appearance.

In the aftermath, the Trump administration has put a halt on all asylum approvals and suspended visas for travelers holding Afghan passports. Following the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that President Trump has requested an increase of 500 National Guard troops to assist in the area, though Morrissey mentioned that West Virginia has not asked for more personnel at this time.

Currently, around 2,200 soldiers are involved in the Joint Task Force operating in D.C. More than 300 troops from the West Virginia National Guard were deployed in August, with about 170 extending their mission until the year’s end, while others returned home.

Morrissey stressed the need to prioritize the well-being of those deployed as well as their families, urging that their needs and prayers be recognized. On Monday, President Trump honored both Mr. Beckstrom and Mr. Wolf during a Christmas gathering at the White House, marking the year’s initial event of its kind.