Trump calls for prayers for Andrew Wolfe as he ‘fights for his life’
.@POTUS on Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe: "Andrew is fighting for his life. His parents are unbelievably great people, highly religious people, and they're praying — and they want everybody to pray for Andrew." pic.twitter.com/NSD8odg0x7
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) November 30, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC: President Trump, speaking aboard Air Force One, responded to a reporter’s question regarding the November 26 shooting near the Farragut West Metro Station in Washington, DC, where two West Virginia National Guardsmen were critically injured.
Sarah Beckstrom tragically died from her injuries, while Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition. Federal investigators have upgraded charges against the suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, to first-degree murder, as the FBI continues probing potential motives behind the attack.
Donald Trump expresses support for Andrew Wolfe
Trump described the situation as “very tough” for the soldier’s family and asked the public to keep praying for Wolfe. He confirmed he had personally spoken with both families, calling them “devastated.”
Speaking about Wolfe’s parents, Trump said, “Andrew is fighting for his life. His parents are incredibly good people, deeply religious, and they are praying.” He added that the family is trying to remain positive.
Trump also reached out to Beckstrom’s parents, noting that they were overwhelmed with grief and “can’t even believe it” that their daughter had passed away.
Wolfe joined the West Virginia National Guard in 2019 and serves with the 167th Airlift Wing’s Force Support Squadron. West Virginia Representative Riley Moore said Wolfe followed his father’s example by joining the Guard. “His father is a deputy sheriff in the county next to mine, and Andy wanted to follow in those footsteps and serve his nation,” Moore said.
GOP WV Rep Moore on National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe who was shot in DC: I've stayed in touch with Andy's family there. Andy lives in his family about 20 minutes down the road from me. And I think what people need to know is that this is a family that is committed to service, not…
— Chad Pergram (@ChadPergram) November 29, 2025
Wolfe family shares health update
The Wolfe family shared an update on Andrew’s condition. His mother, Melody Wolfe, said the family had been in contact with his neurologist, who reported that “Andy is doing better than they imagined.”
The family added that Wolfe is responding to stimuli, opening his eyes, and attempting movement. He is sedated to allow his brain to heal and minimize pain. Doctors have warned that his condition may temporarily worsen due to brain swelling but remain hopeful about his progress.
Melody Wolfe emphasized that “Andy has a long road ahead, and his progress is being monitored closely, hour by hour.” She said prayers and public support are positively affecting his recovery. “We believe Andy will become a walking testimony through this challenging time. God is good, and miracles are happening as we speak,” she said.
The family clarified they are not raising funds or seeking donations. Melody urged anyone seeing Go Fund Me accounts claiming to be for Andy to report them. “We want for nothing,” she said, expressing gratitude for support from their community, state, and nation.
