Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, the 24-year-old West Virginia National Guardsman wounded in last month’s shooting near a Washington metro station, has made what doctors are calling extraordinary progress in his recovery.
MedStar Washington Hospital Center announced that Wolfe is now breathing independently and can stand with assistance, marking significant milestones in his treatment. Dr. Jeffrey Mai, a neurosurgeon at the facility, stated that the young guardsman is ready to transition from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation.
“He is now breathing on his own and can stand with assistance—important milestones that reflect his strength and determination,” Dr. Mai said. “Based on these improvements, he is now ready to transition from acute care to inpatient rehabilitation as the next step in his recovery journey.”
The progress represents a remarkable turn for the staff sergeant, who was among three individuals shot on November 26 near the Farragut West Metro Station in the nation’s capital. The attack also claimed the life of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, whose death President Donald Trump announced in the days following the incident.
Wolfe’s parents, Melody and Jason Wolfe, expressed gratitude for the medical care their son has received and credited the power of prayer for his recovery. “We are so grateful to the MedStar Washington Hospital Center, the staff, doctors and nurses that have cared for Andy these first few weeks,” they said. “The care has been remarkable, and they have told us Andy’s progress is miraculous.”
The family requested continued prayers as their son faces what they described as a long and difficult rehabilitation ahead. “We know he will continue to improve at a rapid pace and know your prayers are making the difference,” they added.
The shooting suspect has been identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who authorities say opened fire that November morning near the busy metro station. According to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden administration’s program for evacuating Afghans following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe revealed that Lakanwal had worked with the agency as a member of a partner force in Kandahar, Afghanistan, adding another layer of complexity to questions about the vetting process for Afghan evacuees.
The incident has renewed scrutiny of the rushed evacuation from Afghanistan and the subsequent resettlement of tens of thousands of Afghans in American communities. Critics have long raised concerns about the adequacy of security screenings conducted during the chaotic withdrawal.
President Trump has provided updates on Wolfe’s condition since taking office, demonstrating continued attention to the case and the families affected by the attack.
As Staff Sergeant Wolfe begins the next phase of his recovery, his case stands as a testament both to the dedication of medical professionals and to the resilience of those who serve in uniform. The road ahead remains challenging, but the progress achieved thus far offers reason for measured optimism.
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