West Virginia governor: Improved appearance of hospitalized National Guardsman

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey stated on Friday that the National Guardsman wounded in the Washington shooting last week is gradually improving, with his parents noting that he has begun to look more like himself as his head injury heals.

In an update shared on X, Morrisey announced a vigil for 24 year old U S Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, to be held at Musselman High School in Berkeley County, West Virginia. According to the governor, Wolfe is expected to remain in acute care for an additional two to three weeks, and his family remains hopeful about his recovery.

Wolfe was one of two West Virginia National Guard members shot near the Farragut West Metro station the day before Thanksgiving, only a few blocks from the White House. The second service member, 20 year old U S Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, died from her wounds on Thanksgiving.

Morrisey has continued to provide updates on Wolfes condition, noting earlier in the week that there had been encouraging progress, though he declined to offer predictions. He emphasized the hardship Wolfes family is facing as he continues to fight for his life.

Wolfe enlisted in the National Guard in February 2019. Both he and Beckstrom had been stationed in Washington since August as part of the Joint Task Force DC mission.

The accused shooter, 29 year old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was charged in D C Superior Court with first degree murder, assault with intent to kill while armed, and possession of a firearm during a violent crime.

President Trump previously stated that he invited the families of both Guards members to the White House, noting the profound grief experienced by the parents of Wolfe and Beckstrom.

Author: Riley Thompson