Faith Sustains Family, Friends of National Guard Member Shot in DC
Those close to National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe say the recovery has become a deeply spiritual journey for his family.
Wolfe, one of the West Virginia Guard members shot in the Nov. 27 attack in Washington, is “slowly healing” from his injuries, West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Dec. 5.
His mother, Kim Wolfe, has been asking friends and strangers alike to continue praying for her son, and those prayers, she said, “are the only thing getting us through.” A family friend described Wolfe on Facebook as “one of the strongest and most determined, God-fearing men” she knows, and a local official who visited his bedside noted he bears a tattoo of Isaiah 41:10 on his arm, a passage his community has now taken up as a banner of hope. The verse encourages that God promises His presence, strength, and support to people experiencing difficult times.
Wolfe and Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, also a National Guard member, were shot in what U.S. authorities say was an ambush by an Afghan national near the White House. Beckstrom, who had been shot in the face after taking shots to the ches, died from her injuries on Nov. 27, while Wolfe was left in critical condition.
Morrisey stated in an update on Dec. 5 that Wolfe’s head wound is improving, and he is beginning to “look more like himself,” quoting Wolfe’s parents.
Wolfe’s family expects him to remain in acute care for another two to three weeks as he continues recovering, according to the governor, adding that they have been “optimistic about his progress.”
Our Adjutant General, MG @jimdseward and his wife Leslie recorded an uplifting video message with Melody Wolfe, the mother of SSgt Andrew Wolfe this morning. pic.twitter.com/A8NH9k55fE
— WV National Guard (@WVNationalGuard) December 6, 2025
“We continue to ask all West Virginians and Americans for their prayers! They are making a difference,” Morrisey said. A vigil honoring Wolfe was held at Musselman High School in Berkeley County, West Virginia, on Dec. 5.
Prior to the update, President Donald Trump hosted Wolfe’s family at the White House and said that Wolfe is “in the process of healing.”
The president also issued a proclamation on Dec. 4 directing that flags be flown at half-staff at all public buildings, military posts, and naval vessels through sunset to honor Beckstrom. Trump said he has invited Beckstrom’s family to the White House.
West Virginia Reps. Carol Miller (R-W.Va.) and Riley Moore (R-W.Va.), on Dec. 3, introduced a resolution honoring the two National Guard members. A similar measure was also introduced in the Senate.
“This resolution sends a clear message that the American people stand with the Beckstrom family, Andrew Wolfe, and the whole West Virginia National Guard community,” Moore said in a statement. “We grieve this horrific and senseless attack, and continue to pray for these Guardsmen and their families.”
Wolfe and Beckstrom were among the National Guard members assigned to Joint Task Force-D.C., activated in August to support local and federal law enforcement efforts in restoring order in the nation’s capital. They were patrolling near the busy Farragut West Metro Station when the terrorist attack occurred.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been charged with first-degree murder, two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. He entered the U.S. under a Biden resettlement program of Afghan nationals after the U.S. retreat, which ended more than 20 years of military involvement.
–Dwight Widaman with The Epoch Times
