Oak Hill, WV (WOAY) – We are continuing to follow the two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot in the line of duty in Washington, D.C., last week.
Governor Morrisey told reporters at a press conference today that Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe is still in critical condition, and said that Andrew’s family is asking for prayers.
The Governor said Andrew is able to move his toes and give a thumbs-up, which he said is a positive sign. The other guard member, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, passed away from her injuries on Thursday.
The Governor emphasized that the 170 guard members still in Washington, D.C. are there on a volunteer basis, and have been since the initial emergency declaration expired in September. Major General Jim Seward told reporters that the members who volunteered to stay agreed with the mission. General Seward said the guard members are trained and prepared for their duties in Washington.
Vigils were held across the state over the weekend to honor Wolfe and Beckstrom.
President Trump said yesterday that the families of both guardsmen are invited to visit the white house. Meanwhile, the suspected gunman, an Afghan National who was a member of a CIA-backed partner force, is in custody on first-degree murder charges.
The Associated Press is reporting that family members said he was struggling with mental health issues for months before the shooting.
Meanwhile, today in Congress, Senator Shelley Moore Capito honored both guardsmen in a speech on the Senate floor, saying she will introduce a resolution in the Senate in their honor tomorrow.
