WASHINGTON (7News) — Almost two weeks after two National Guard soldiers were shot in an “ambush-style” attack two blocks from the White House, 7News is hearing from the family of Andrew Wolfe, who remains hospitalized.
The good news is, he appears to be improving, according to his family.
Andrew’s mother, Melody Wolfe, spoke on his condition in a Facebook post alongside West Virginia National Guard Adjutant General, Maj. Gen. Jim Seward and his wife, Leslie.
“So Andy is being very active, more alert. Sedation has come off. They’re scaling back on his pain medication,” Melody shared. “He itched his forehead this morning. He itched it last night. This morning, I went to boop his little nose. He looked at me and gave me the side eye, turned away from me. He did turn his head to look at me again when I said his name. He’s coming along well, surpassing expectations.”
Suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal is accused of shooting Wolfe and his sister in arms, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, who died the next day.
Lakanwal pleaded not guilty to all charges during his first virtual court appearance from a hospital bed. His attorney argued he has no prior criminal record, though a judge disagreed and denied bond.
RELATED | Suspect in DC National Guard shooting pleads not guilty during his first court appearance
U.S. Attorney for D.C. Jeanine Pirro backed the judge’s decision when speaking to the media directly after the hearing on December 2:
The crime is one that we believe we will be able to prove beyond a reasonable doubt. And I think the judge was very astute when she made it clear that she believed that he crossed the country with a weapon with the intent to commit a crime of violence, and her decision was the correct one based upon the facts and the law.
As Wolfe’s recovery continues, a memorial grows outside the Farragut West Metro stop where the shooting took place on November 26.
“Andy is really making remarkable improvements, thanks to your prayers and the amazing medical care that he’s getting,” Maj. Gen. Seward said in the December 6 post. “We know the whole world is praying for Andy and for the Beckstrom family, and also our troops that are still out there on the streets of D.C. and really around the world.”
Melody Wolfe has a powerful request to the public for National Guard troops everywhere:
Please be kind to them, love on them. They have volunteered for service. They’re not being forced to do this, so just give them a smile and nod. I know that that would make Andy and Sarah both very happy.
RELATED | ‘We’re remembering’: Memorial grows in DC where Sarah Beckstrom & Andrew Wolfe were shot
Lakanwal is facing four charges, including first-degree murder. Pirro has said more charges are likely to come. His next hearing is a preliminary hearing scheduled for January 14 at 9:30 a.m.
Wolfe’s mother continues to thank the public for their ongoing support ever since the shooting.
“All the prayers you’ve given, they’re working. And we’re seeing that miracle happen in that hospital bed right now, so thank you. We are forever grateful for your prayers and support,” Melody said in the video.
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