In a tragic turn of events, a member of the West Virginia National Guard remains in serious condition following a shocking daytime shooting in Washington, D.C. The incident occurred just blocks away from the White House, leaving the community in deep concern. Governor Patrick Morrisey shared on Monday that Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, a 24-year-old U.S. Air Force member, has shown encouraging signs of consciousness, managing to communicate with a nurse through a thumbs-up gesture and moving his toes.

The family of Sgt. Wolfe is reaching out to the public for prayers and support during this difficult time. Sadly, the attack also claimed the life of another West Virginia National Guard member, 20-year-old U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. “Andrew is still fighting for his life,” expressed Governor Morrisey, emphasizing the importance of prayers for his recovery.

While the community mourns, Morrisey has indicated that details regarding Beckstrom’s funeral arrangements will be held back to honor the privacy and wishes of her grieving family.

The shooting took place last Wednesday, where both guardsmen were stationed as part of a federal initiative under former President Donald Trump. This plan aimed to bolster crime-fighting efforts by integrating D.C. police with federal resources. The incident has left a somber mark on those who serve and protect their nation, highlighting the unpredictable risks faced even within the nation’s capital.

Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot Wednesday just blocks from the White House while deployed as part of President Donald Trump’s crime-fighting plan that federalized D.C. police.

Investigators are working to determine a motive. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, is charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault in the shooting.

Authorities said Lakanwal, who was shot in the confrontation, remained hospitalized and a court appearance has not yet been scheduled.

The shooting prompted the Trump administration to halt all asylum decisions and pause issuing visas for people traveling on Afghan passports.

After the shooting, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump asked him to send 500 more National Guard members to Washington. Morrisey said he has not been asked to deploy additional troops from West Virginia.

Overall, nearly 2,200 troops currently are assigned to the joint task force operating in the city, according to the government’s latest update. More than 300 West Virginia National Guard members were deployed in August. In mid-November, up to 170 of them volunteered to extend their deployment until the end of the year while the others returned to West Virginia.

“Our sole focus right now is looking after the well-being of the 170 service members who are on the ground, focusing on the family, assuring that prayers are going out,” Morrisey said.