In Charleston, West Virginia, a member of the National Guard who fell victim to a daring daylight shooting in Washington, D.C., continues to battle for his life. Despite his serious condition, 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe demonstrated hopeful signs of recovery by responding to a nurse’s inquiry with a thumbs-up and moving his toes, according to Governor Patrick Morrisey on Monday.

Governor Morrisey conveyed the request of Wolfe’s family, urging the public to offer prayers for his recovery. Unfortunately, the shooting 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,” Morrisey emphasized. “He needs prayers.”

While the specifics of Beckstrom’s funeral arrangements remain undisclosed, Morrisey expressed his intent to honor the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

The tragic incident unfolded on Wednesday, mere blocks from the White House. Beckstrom and Wolfe were on duty in alignment with President Donald Trump’s initiative to combat crime in the capital, which involved the federalization of D.C. police forces.

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.

Trump paid tribute to Beckstrom and Wolfe on Monday at a Christmas party that an aide said was the first one at the White House this year.

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