West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said that last week’s survivors of the Washington DC shooting incident, including a member of the state’s National Guard, are still in critical condition, but some “good news” has been received.
A 29-year-old Afghan citizen Rahmanullah Lakanwal drove from Washington state to Washington DC, launching a close-range shooting against two National Guard members on the eve of Thanksgiving, resulting in one fatality and one injury.
20-year-old Army Private Sarah Beckstrom tragically passed away, while 24-year-old Air Force Sergeant Andrew Wolfe is currently in the hospital.
“Andrew is still fighting for his life,” Morrisey said at a press conference on Monday afternoon, December 1st, “Andrew needs everyone’s prayers.”
Morrissey also shared some “good news.” He said that when nurses asked Wolfe if he could hear voices, he raised his thumb.
“He responded,” Morrissey recounted, “We were informed that he even moved his toes. So, we see this as a positive sign.”
Morrissey mentioned that Wolfe’s mother Melody Wolfe has been requesting people from all over to pray for her son, stating that “these prayers are making a difference.”
Over the weekend, Morrissey attended several candlelight vigils held in West Virginia to mourn the National Guard members who were attacked.
“People were talking emotional about Sarah, everyone said she was an amazing woman, always inspiring those around her with a smile,” Morrissey said, “From conversations with Sarah’s parents and comrades, everyone is remembering Sarah, her excellence.”
Back in August, President Trump dispatched the National Guard to Washington DC to assist in combating crime. Critics argued that this was a politically motivated move by Trump.
Morrissey defended the actions of the National Guard in Washington DC and other Democratic-led cities on Monday. He explained that the 170 members stationed in the capital from the state’s National Guard volunteered for this mission because they believed in it.
“They volunteered because they believe in this mission,” Morrissey stated.
It is reported that Sarah and Andrew took the oath 24 hours before the attack, and were then deployed to Washington DC to carry out their duties.
Attorney General Pam Bondi revealed that Sarah volunteered to work in the capital during the Thanksgiving holiday.
“She, like many other National Guard members, volunteered to make a contribution to ensure that others could return home and reunite with their families,” the Attorney General said.