Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, from West Virginia National Guard, continues recovering in acute care with a slowly healing head wound and improving appearance, expected to remain hospitalized 2-3 more weeks as of December 5, 2025; his fellow soldier, Spec. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from injuries sustained in the November 26 targeted shooting near the White House. Gov. Patrick Morrisey shared the optimistic family update ahead of a vigil.​
Shooting Details
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national from Washington state who entered the U.S. in 2021, allegedly drove cross-country and ambushed the guardsmen patrolling near Farragut West Metro with a .357 revolver during high-visibility duties, firing at close range before other Guardsmen subdued him after shooting him. President Trump called it an “act of evil” tied to inadequate vetting of Afghan evacuees.​
Legal Status
Lakanwal faces first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill while armed, and two firearm possession during violence counts; he pleaded not guilty on December 2. The Guardsmen were among over 2,000 deployed to D.C. since August amid Trump’s crime reduction efforts, drawing partisan criticism.​
Initial Recovery Notes
Wolfe’s mother Melody reported post-surgery on November 27 that he was alive, sedated in ICU with brain swelling monitored, emphasizing the critical first 24-48 hours and upcoming weeks as a “waiting game” for lasting effects. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro noted families were “shattered” by one man’s actions.
