By Sam StevensonShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberU.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has given a health update on the status of the surviving National Guard member who was shot in Washington, D.C. last week.
Speaking on Fox News, Bondi said surgeons at the hospital treating Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, called him a “miracle.”
She added: “They rarely get to deliver news like this. We believe he is going to live. He has a long road.”
Why It Matters
The ambush-style shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members near the White House has intensified scrutiny over U.S. security, immigration policy, and support for military personnel deployed in the nation's capital.
The attack had immediate human costs and has sweeping political implications, including changes to federal asylum and immigration reviews for thousands of Afghan evacuees who arrived under Operation Allies Welcome.
...What To Know
The fatal attack took place last Wednesday, only blocks away from the White House. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed, and Wolfe was critically wounded.
Both had been deployed to D.C. as part of an ongoing federal mission to address urban crime.
The shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal—who entered the U.S. under a post-Taliban evacuation program—was apprehended after being badly wounded at the scene.
He faces a federal first-degree murder charge along with multiple other counts, including assault with intent to kill and firearm-related charges.
Wolfe has remained in serious condition, but is showing signs of improvement. According to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, Wolfe responded to nurses with a thumbs-up and moved his toes, indicating hopeful progress. Beckstrom, described as a "magnificent person" who was "outstanding in every way," succumbed to her injuries on Friday.
The attacker, Lakanwal, entered the U.S. in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome after working closely with U.S. forces in Afghanistan and was granted asylum in 2025 under President Donald Trump's administration.
Investigators are examining his background and possible motives.
The Trump administration responded to the incident by pausing immigration cases and promising a rigorous reevaluation of green cards issued to nationals from countries deemed “of concern.”
Speaking on Fox News, Bondi said: “What happened under the [Joe] Biden administration was criminal: virtually little or no vetting of these Afghans coming into our country. The numbers were staggering.”
What People Are Saying
Attorney General Pam Bondi said: “Sarah, first and foremost, pray for her family. Andy, our other National Guardsman, is in critical care. I was with Melody and Jason, his parents, yesterday in the hospital, and she wanted me to tell you that he is a miracle…We believe he is going to live…Pray for him.”
She added: “This monster, who…drove halfway across this country to assassinate two of our American heroes…it is horrific. And he will be held accountable.”
Referring to Andrew Wolfe, President Donald Trump said: “He’s fighting very hard. It would be amazing if he lives; it would be amazing—a miracle, actually.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said: “We were told that he wiggled his toes. So we take that as a positive sign.”
What Happens Next
Lakanwal remains hospitalized while facing charges including first-degree murder. Prosecutors say they will pursue the fullest penalties.
Federal authorities have instituted a temporary halt on Afghan asylum and green card proceedings while they review security protocols. The shooting is also informing an ongoing debate about the deployment of federalized National Guard troops in Washington, as city officials challenge the administration’s authority and the necessity of the order.
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