National Guardsman Healing After Being Shot in the Nation's Capital
A member of the National Guard is showing improvement after he was critically injured in an ambush-style shooting last month in Washington DC.
The parents of the 24-year-old soldier, 24, say "the injury to his head is gradually improving and that he's starting to 'look more like himself,'" stated the state's chief executive Patrick Morrisey.
The family expects the military non-commissioned officer to be in acute care for the coming fortnight, and they feel optimistic about his progress, according to the official's statement.
Staff Sgt Wolfe was one of a pair of West Virginia National Guard members shot when a gunman began shooting in proximity to the presidential residence on 26 November. His colleague, twenty-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, died from her injuries.
"Our request remains for all West Virginians and Americans for their thoughts and prayers!" the governor said.
The governor was present at a candlelight gathering on last Friday night for Staff Sgt Wolfe at Musselman High School in Inwood, West Virginia, where the serviceman was once a pupil.
A clergyman at the event read a message from the soldier's parents, Jason and Melody Wolfe.
"It is clear to us that there is a long road to go," they expressed, as reported by regional media outlets.
"However our belief keeps us optimistic. We remain grateful for the well-wishes and the encouragement from people all over the globe."
Previously, the governor said Staff Sgt Wolfe had acknowledged medical staff with a positive gesture and was capable of wiggle his feet.
Law enforcement have charged the alleged gunman, an individual from Afghanistan named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, with premeditated homicide and assault with intent to kill.
Before coming to the United States in 2021, he was once a counterterrorism soldier in a paramilitary group that worked with American troops in Afghanistan.
Staff Sgt Wolfe was one of 2,000 National Guard members whom the former president deployed to the Washington DC in August as part of his immigration and crime-related crackdown in Democratic-led cities.
Following the incident, Trump said he desired another 500 military personnel deployed to the District of Columbia.
The former presidential office has also cited the attack as a justification for further restrictive policies.
They have halted naturalization proceedings for immigrants from 19 countries that were part of a entry restriction announced over the summer, including the suspect's home country.
