National Guard member in DC shooting shows 'positive sign' West Virginia governor says

"At a press conference on Monday, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said he received word from Andrew Wolfe's family that the 24-year-old remains in serious condition but has shown some progress. "We were told that Andrew was asked if he could hear the nurse who asked the question to give a thumbs up, and he did respond," Morrisey said. "And we were told that he also wiggled his toes. So we take that as a positive sign.""

"Wolfe and Sarah Beckstrom both members of the West Virginia National Guard were on patrol on Thanksgiving eve just blocks from the White House when a gunman came around the corner and opened fire at close-range, authorities said. Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries on Thursday. Meanwhile, the suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, remains in custody and faces a first-degree murder charge."

"A refugee resettlement volunteer who worked closely with Lakanwal's family told NPR that the suspect did not show any signs of radicalization like some U.S. officials have suggested. Instead, the volunteer said they worried about Lakanwal's wellbeing and feared he was suffering a mental health crisis. Last week, Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, said the alleged gunman will be charged with terrorism and she will seek the death penalty if either soldier died."

An ambush-style attack in Washington, D.C. killed West Virginia National Guard soldier Sarah Beckstrom and wounded Andrew Wolfe. Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries; Wolfe, 24, remains in serious condition but has shown some responsiveness, including a thumbs-up and toe movement. The suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, drove from Washington state to the capital, is in custody, and faces a first-degree murder charge. A refugee resettlement volunteer said Lakanwal showed no signs of radicalization and appeared to be experiencing a mental health crisis. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said terrorism charges will be filed and the death penalty will be sought if either soldier died. Beckstrom joined the Guard in 2023 and was described as always willing to help others.

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