West Virginia National guardsman Improving, Governor Says Following D.C. Shooting
WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va. – west Virginia National Guard Specialist Andrew Wolfe is showing signs of recovery and “looking more like himself” days after being critically wounded in a shooting in Washington, D.C., according to West Virginia Governor Jim Justice. Wolfe,24,was one of two National Guard members shot while on duty near the U.S. Capitol on November 28, 2025.
The update offers a glimmer of hope following a harrowing week for Wolfe’s family and the West Virginia National Guard. The shooting prompted a lockdown in the nation’s capital and raised questions about the safety of service members deployed to protect federal buildings. Wolfe and fellow Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom, 29, were providing security when they were targeted. Beckstrom tragically died from her injuries. The incident underscores the risks faced by those serving in the National Guard, even in domestic roles, and has sparked an outpouring of support from across the state and nation.
governor Justice visited Wolfe at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on Friday, sharing the positive progress in a social media post. “Andrew is a fighter, and it’s incredibly encouraging to see him starting to look more like himself,” Justice wrote.”He’s got a long road ahead, but he’s got the heart of a lion and the unwavering support of all West Virginians.”
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been formally charged with first-degree murder in connection with Beckstrom’s death and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed for the attack on Wolfe. Authorities have not yet released a motive for the shooting.
A vigil was held in Webster Springs, West Virginia, on Friday to honor beckstrom, a beloved member of the community. Wolfe, a resident of Elkins, West Virginia, is continuing to receive medical care and remains in critical but stable condition.
