National Guard member Andrew Wolfe who survived DC shooting 'slowly healing', West Virginia gov says

HARPERS FERRY, WV: Air Force Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe is showing steady improvement and signs of recovery after being critically wounded in last week's ambush-style shooting in Washington DC. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey announced on Friday, November 5. 

The attack, which also claimed the life of 20-year-old Army Spc Sarah Beckstrom, left the 24-year-old Wolfe with a head injury that doctors say is now beginning to stabilize. 

Wolfe's parents told the governor that their son is "slowly healing" and "beginning to look more like himself." Officials expect him to remain in acute care for at least two to three more weeks as his condition continues to progress. 

Andrew Wolfe shows signs of recovery

Morrisey said Wolfe's recovery, though slow, has been encouraging. "His parents report that his head wound is slowly healing and that he's beginning to 'look more like himself,'" the governor said in a statement. Earlier in the week, Wolfe responded to a nurse with a thumbs-up and managed to move his toes, movement Morrisey described as "positive sign." 

Wolfe, a Martinsburg native, serves with the 167th Airlift Wing's Force Support Squadron and has been a member of the West Virginia Air National Guard since 2019.

Outside of the service, he works as a lineman for Frontier Communications, where he has been employed since early 2023, according to Associated Press. 

The shooting unfolded as Wolfe and fellow guard members were on duty in Washington DC. Officials say the suspect, 29-year-old Afghan national Ramullah Lakanwal, opened fire without warning, striking both Wolfe and Beckstrom. 

Remembering Sarah Beckstrom, killed in the ambush 

Beckstrom, who served with the West Virginia National Guard, died from her injuries after the shooting. Her parents, remembering her, described her as "someone whose presence brought a positive energy to every room," a sentiment echoed by many who stepped forward to honor her memory. 

Morrisey said the state is rallying behind Beckstrom's family and Wolfe as they navigate this grave tragedy. He emphasized that despite the devastating circumstances, the bravery displayed by Guard members in subduing the attacker prevented further loss of life. 

The attacker, Lakanwal, was shot during the confrontation, taken into custody, and has since been charged with murder, assault with intent to kill while armed and fiream offences. He has pleaded not guilty.

According to Law enforcement accounts, the attack was halted when another Guard member stabbed the gunman with a pocketknife, while another returned fire, hitting the suspect multiple times.