National Guardsman 'slowly healing' after being shot in Washington DC

December 6, 2025

A 24-year-old West Virginia Air National Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, is recovering from critical injuries sustained during a shooting in Washington DC on November 26 that killed his colleague, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom. Wolfe's family reports his head wound is healing and he has shown positive signs like responding with a thumbs-up and moving his toes, though he faces two to three more weeks in acute care. Authorities have charged an Afghan national and former CIA-backed counterterrorism soldier, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, with first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill.

Who is affected

Andrew Wolfe, 24-year-old Air Force staff sergeant recovering from critical injuries
Sarah Beckstrom, 20-year-old National Guard member who died from injuries
Jason and Melody Wolfe, Andrew's parents
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the charged suspect
2,000 National Guard members deployed to Washington DC
Immigrants from 19 countries subject to travel ban whose citizenship ceremonies have been cancelled

What action is being taken

Andrew Wolfe is receiving acute care treatment for his head wound
Staff Sgt Wolfe is responding to medical staff and moving his toes
Police have charged Rahmanullah Lakanwal with first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill
The Trump administration has cancelled all citizenship ceremonies for immigrants from 19 countries on the travel ban list

Why it matters

This shooting demonstrates the risks faced by National Guard members deployed domestically for security operations and has significant implications for immigration policy. The incident has become a catalyst for the Trump administration to expand its immigration crackdown and increase military presence in the nation's capital, affecting thousands of service members and immigrants from multiple countries seeking citizenship.

What's next

Andrew Wolfe is expected to remain in acute care for the next two to three weeks
President Trump wants another 500 National Guard troops sent to Washington DC

Read full article from source: BBC