A West Virginia representative has provided a crucial update on the second victim of the horrific shooting that targeted National Guard members in Washington DC, confirming the serviceman is 'hanging on' as he battles critical injuries.
The Attack and Its Aftermath
The violent incident occurred last Wednesday when alleged gunman Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, opened fire on National Guard members patrolling a mass transit station in the nation's capital. The attack claimed the life of 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom and left Air Force Staff Sergeant Andre Wolfe, 24, in a critical condition.
Speaking to Fox & Friends on Saturday, West Virginia Representative Riley Moore revealed he had been in contact with Wolfe's family. "He is a fighter, and his family has told me that, time and time again, he is a fighter," Moore stated, confirming the service member was 'hanging on.'
A Family's Plea and a Community's Support
Moore highlighted the Wolfe family's deep roots in service and their close connection to the West Virginia community, noting they live just 20 minutes from him. "His father is a deputy sheriff in the county next to mine and Andy wanted to follow in that footsteps and serve his nation as a National Guardsman," the congressman explained.
The family, described as 'committed to service,' is now rallying around their son and has made a heartfelt plea for national support. They believe in the power of prayer and are asking people across the country to join them in praying for Wolfe's recovery.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey echoed this sentiment, describing the attack as a 'gut punch' to a state with a strong tradition of military service. "Andrew is fighting for his life right now, and his family and all of his friends, they're trying to harvest as many prayers as possible from all across the country, all across the globe, to help him recover," Governor Morrisey said.
The Suspect and Ongoing Investigation
While Wolfe fights for his survival, his alleged assailant, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is expected to survive his injuries after being shot by a third Guard member who ended the attack. Officials report that Lakanwal used a handgun registered to a deceased resident of Washington state.
The sequence of the attack saw Beckstrom struck first with at least two gunshot wounds. Lakanwal then allegedly took her weapon and continued firing, which is when Wolfe was hit. A law enforcement official has confirmed that Lakanwal is expected to live and stand trial.
An investigation into the motive is ongoing, but authorities have revealed that Lakanwal is an Afghan national who came to the US in 2021. He had previously enlisted in one of the CIA's Zero Units, groups tasked with raiding and capturing or killing members of terrorist organisations like the Taliban and al-Qaeda. After the Taliban seized control of Afghanistan, Lakanwal was evacuated to the US on humanitarian grounds and had been granted asylum, residing in Bellingham, Washington, before travelling to DC to carry out the attack.
The US Attorney's Office has charged Lakanwal with murder, two counts of assault with intent to kill, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
