West Virginia
Governor says it is not appropriate to ask specifics of National Guard readiness with weapons – WV MetroNews
West Virginia’s governor says it is inappropriate to ask questions about whether members of the National Guard patrolling Washington, D.C., are prepared to quickly and efficiently respond with firearms in case of attack.
“I can assure folks that the people that we send in — anytime you’re sending anyone potentially in harm’s way, you want to make sure that they’re fully prepared, they’re very well trained,” Morrisey said on MetroNews Midday.
In response to a question about Guard members’ readiness to defend themselves, he continued, “I can assure people that they are.”
More detail about defensive readiness than that, the governor went on to say, should be off limits to the public.
West Virginia National Guard members Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot Nov. 26 at the corner of 17th and I Streets NW. Beckstrom died on Thanksgiving Day, and Wolfe continues to recover from serious injuries.
A major with the National Guard who was nearby shot the suspect with his service weapon as the attacker was trying to reload his own gun, investigators said.
Authorities have said the suspect in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, came around a corner, raised his gun and fired at Guardsmen who were gathered at the location near a Metro stop. He has been formally charged with murder.
Lakanwal, 29, drove from his home in the state of Washington. He had previously worked with CIA-backed counterterrorism units in Afghanistan known as Zero Units. He had a Special Immigrant Visa because of that work but apparently had significant struggles adjusting to life in the United States.
“This is a tragedy that resulted from an ambush. It was nothing to do with their readiness posture. So specialist Beckstrom was attacked from behind at point blank range by a member of a CIA backed paramilitary unit, you know, a terrorist. So this was really important,” Morrisey said on MetroNews Midday.
Warnings of possible danger
At least two memos introduced into evidence by attorneys representing the Trump administration in a federal court case challenging the presence of the National Guard in the nation’s capital make reference to potential danger for operations under Joint Task Force-D.C.
“JTC-DC service members may expect a heightened threat environment while supporting the “Make DC Safe and Beautiful” mission within the NCR,” according to an August advisory memo filed in the federal court case and referring to activity in the national capital region.
“Threat/nefarious actors engaging in grievance based violence and those inspired by foreign terrorist organizations may view the MDCSB mission as a target of opportunity. Additionally, civilian populations with varying political views may attempt to engage with JTF-DC SMs.”
On August 23, the commanding general of the D.C. National Guard gave an order allowing members supporting the mission in the district to carry their service-issued weapons after careful consideration of the security environment. Guard members on the mission were to carry M17 pistols, intended for personal protection.
In early December, after the shootings, the Pentagon reiterated The Pentagon that every National Guard member deployed in Washington D.C., would now be armed with live weapons.
An overriding question has been readiness to engage — whether the service weapons and ammunition were in position to be used quickly in case of attack.
COMMENTARY by T.J. MEADOWS: Did We Fail Our Guardsmen?
On statewide radio, the governor said the specifics of Guard’s access to weapons is not for the public to know.
“You know, it’s absolutely wrong to try to publicize everyone’s weapons readiness, sensitive operational information, if it could endanger the Guardsmen who are working in D.C. I think they are irresponsible questions, to be blunt. We have to protect our people,” Morrisey said.
“I don’t know why people would want to have everything about ‘This is exactly the operational information you need when you’re out in the field’ and you could subject our Guardsmen to harm. That’s outrageous, and I’m not going to do it.”
D.C. mission continues, and so do questions
On August 11, President Donald Trump declared a “crime emergency” for the District of Columbia, and just a few days later Governor Morrisey deployed 300 to 400 members of the West Virginia National Guard for support.
That developed as, on August 12, Leland Blanchard, interim commanding general of the D.C. National Guard, sent an email to James Seward, adjutant general of the West Virginia National Guard.
“Was told by SECARMY’s office that your governor has been in contact with SECARMY and may be willing to support ongoing operations in DC,” Blanchard wrote in an email that later appeared among the filings in the federal court case.
Blanchard went on to say work was still ongoing to determine tasks, “but wondering if you have some insights on number of personnel you might have to put against this mission once we get there.”
Seward responded to say, depending on orders and funding, that West Virginia could provide an estimated 500 to 600 Guard members. “Please let us know what we can do to help.”
The president’s emergency declaration, which placed the Metropolitan Police Department under federal direction, expired after 30 days, Sept. 10, but the National Guard presence continued.
About 2,000 members of the National Guard, overall, have been deployed to Washington, D.C., to patrol on the National Mall, in Metro public transportation stations and across D.C. neighborhoods.
Last month, the West Virginia National Guard announced participation in patrols in Washington, D.C., would continue until the end of the year. However, the mission was being scaled back.
About 160 West Virginia National Guard volunteers were approved to remain in D.C. All personnel not continuing as part of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission returned to West Virginia.
COMMENTARY by HOPPY KERCHEVAL: Governor Morrisey and the National Guard in D.C.
In a Dec. 1 press conference with the governor, Major General Seward of the West Virginia National Guard, said members “are trained professionals; they are deputized U.S. marshals in the district. When they’re on patrol they’re armed, and they are trained.”
That press conference included a question from MetroNews about what precautions or self-defense National Guard members were prepared to use as they were deployed to the city where crime emergency conditions were described as the basis from the outset.
The response was in general terms.
“These are people that are trained, and they have knowledge of the situation they’re going into. These are the same people going to all corners of the globe. They’re trained in terms of difficult circumstances,” Morrisey said, concluding “We believe they have the background and training to go in to Washington, D.C., to carry out the mission.”
The West Virginia National Guard specified in an August statement that members were providing support in “areas of sustainment, logistics, administration, public affairs and Joint Staff augmentation.
“Security missions include static and roving presence patrols.” That meant standing or walking in high-traffic areas and at Metro public transit stations along with assistance to U.S. Park Police.
The Democratic caucus in the state Legislature has formally requested an oversight hearing during January interim meetings to examine the circumstances surrounding the deployment of West Virginia National Guard members to Washington, D.C.
The proposed hearing would require testimony from leaders of the West Virginia National Guard and representatives from the Office of the Governor. Democrats say it is a necessary step to ensure future deployments are made lawfully, purposefully and with appropriate safeguards.
“Our Guard members serve with honor. We owe them answers,” said Delegate John Williams, D- Monongalia.
“This tragedy demands a clear and factual review so that lessons are learned and protections strengthened moving forward.”
During the Gold-Blue spring game on Saturday, the West Virginia coaching staff named wide receiver Cyrus Traught the recipient of the 2026 Tommy Nikolich Award.
The award, which is always given out at the end of spring ball, recognizes a walk-on team member who has distinguished himself through his attitude and work ethic. The award is presented in memory of Tommy Nickolich, a former WVU player (1980-82) who passed away from cancer in 1983.
Traugh is a Parkersburg native and graduate of Parkersburg South High School. He began his career at Youngstown State before transferring back home to play for the Mountaineers last season. In his final year with the Penguins, he logged 36 receptions, 409 yards, and a team-leading five touchdowns, two of which came against Pitt.
During the 2025 campaign with the Mountaineers, he saw action against Robert Morris and Kansas, playing 10 snaps against the Jayhawks, but did not record any stats.
Head coach Rich Rodriguez has mentioned him twice this spring as someone who has been doing some good things and making progress. Wide receivers coach Ryan Garrett also showed him some love during his press conference last week.
The Mountaineers completely revamped the wide receiver room this offseason, upping the level of talent at both inside and outside receiver spots, but perhaps Traugh can work his way into the mix if he puts together a strong summer and fall camp. If he’s not a regular in the rotation, he’ll serve as a quality depth piece who can play special teams.
Past Nickolich Award winners:
2025: Clay Ash, RB
2024: Avery Wilcox, S
2023: C.J. Cole, WR
2022: Nick Malone, OL
2021: Graeson Malashevich, WR/H
2020: Osman Kamara, S
2019: Jake Abbott, LB
2018: Evan Staley, K
2017: Nick Meadows, LS
2016: Jon Lewis, DL
2015: Justin Arndt, LB
2014: Michael Calicchio, OL
2013: Connor Arlia, WR
2012: Tyler Anderson, DE
2011: Ryan Nehlen, WR
2010: Matt Lindamood, FB
2009: Josh Taylor, DL
2008: Adam Hughes, LS
2007: Andy Emery, LB
2006: Tim Lindsey, LS
2005: George Shehl, H/DB
2004: Jeff Noechel, LB
2003: John Pennington, WR
2002: Moe Fofana, RB
2001: Jeremy Knapp, TE
2000: Ben Collins, LB
1999: Bryan Lorenz, LB
1998: Mark Corman, TE
1997: David Lightcap, DB
1996: Matt Ceresa, OL
1995: Rob Keys, DB
1994: Randy Fulmore, DB
1993: Matt McCulty, WR
1992: Brett Parise, WR, Ray Wilcox, LB
1991: Keith Taparausky, RB
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West Virginia offers deep river gorges, Appalachian mountain trails, and museums covering several layers of regional history. Day trips can lead to quirky stops like the legends at the Mothman Museum or haunting tours through a historic asylum. Other stops highlight art and science, with hands-on exhibits at the Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences and wide-ranging collections at the West Virginia State Museum. Places like Beech Fork State Park and Babcock State Park show off the landscapes that make West Virginia a rewarding place to drive through. Below are 12 day trips worth the drive, starting from Charleston and Huntington.
Starting City: Charleston
Clay Center for the Arts & Sciences (Within the City)
This 240,000-square-foot facility opened in 2003 and combines art exhibits with STEM experiences across multiple museums and theaters. The Avampato Discovery Museum is the child-facing centerpiece, with climbing sculptures, a music studio, a Space Lab for designing rockets, and a Wild Kratts Ocean Adventure covering various ocean ecosystems. The Caperton Planetarium & Theater handles night-sky programming. The other two anchors are the Juliet Art Museum with its Interactive Art Space and the Maier Performance Hall, which hosts performances from the West Virginia Symphony Orchestra and visiting jazz ensembles.
West Virginia State Museum (Within the City)
The state museum dates to 1890 and was previously known as the West Virginia Science and Culture Center. It covers history, art, culture, paleontology, and archaeology across its galleries. The Discovery Rooms walk visitors through the prehistory of West Virginia, life on the Appalachian frontier, and John Brown’s 1859 raid on Harpers Ferry, which helped ignite the American Civil War. Additional rooms cover West Virginia’s 1863 statehood (the state was carved from Virginia during the war) and its long heritage as a coal-mining state. Interpretive reconstructions throughout the museum recreate West Virginia landmarks including a classic soda shop, Harpers Ferry, and a coal mine.
Capitol Market (Within the City)
The Capitol Market in the heart of Charleston has been widely recognized as one of the best local shopping centers in the state. Set in a historic train depot, it houses produce merchants both indoors and outdoors. Inside, Johnnie’s Fresh Meat Market handles meat, Mea Cuppa Coffeebar pours coffee, and Bogey’s serves BBQ, fire-roasted corn, and homemade coleslaw. The outdoor section is where shoppers find flowers and greens from greenhouses like Bostic and Evans, along with fresh fruit and vegetables from Robbie’s Produce out of Sissonville, West Virginia.
Kanawha State Forest (15 Minutes)
West Virginia is one of the most heavily forested states in the country, with forest covering roughly 79% of its total land area. That reality is easy to experience 15 minutes south of Charleston at Kanawha State Forest. At 9,300 acres, the forest was once a logging and mining site before the West Virginia Conservation Commission purchased it and converted it to public land. There are more than 60 miles of hiking and biking trails, with strong wildflower viewing in spring and reliable bird sightings, including 19 species of wood warblers during migration. Davis Creek offers fishing opportunities with wheelchair-accessible piers.
Mothman Museum (1 Hour)
West Virginia has its share of cryptid legends, and the state’s most famous is Mothman, first sighted around Point Pleasant in November 1966 and described as a winged figure with glowing red eyes. The Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant calls itself the world’s only museum dedicated to Mothman, with collected newspaper clippings, eyewitness accounts, and props from the 2002 film The Mothman Prophecies. Visitors can take pictures next to the nearby Mothman Statue or pick up Mothman-inspired shirts and souvenirs. The museum also runs the Mothman ’66 Escape Room and a Mothman Blacklight Mini-Golf course, both fit for families willing to lean into the spookier side of the legend.
Hawks Nest State Park (1 Hour)
Hawks Nest State Park covers 270 acres along the cliffs above the New River. The water below produces fast rapids popular with experienced whitewater rafters. Away from the rapids, the park offers a scenic overlook down to the New River Gorge Bridge and 8 miles of hiking trails climbing up into the mountains. Hawks Nest Lake holds bass for anglers, though swimming is not allowed in the lake (the park has a separate pool and splash pad). Like many West Virginia parks, it was initially developed by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, and the Hawks Nest Park Museum covers that history.
New River Gorge National Park and Preserve (1 Hour, 15 Minutes)
A few more minutes’ drive from Charleston takes you down into the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve. The gorge was carved by the New River, which, despite its name, is actually one of the oldest rivers in North America at roughly 260 million years old. The gorge is the deepest in the Appalachian Mountains, with 1,000 feet of exposed sandstone and shale cliffs. Those cliffs support more than 1,600 established climbing routes, drawing climbers year-round. Hikers have nearly 100 miles of trails to choose from, along with scenic drives, whitewater rafting, and fishing access.
Babcock State Park (1 Hour, 30 Minutes)
Babcock State Park’s signature landmark is the Glade Creek Grist Mill, a working mill built in 1976 from parts of three historic West Virginia mills, most notably Cooper’s Mill, which had been destroyed by fire decades earlier. The mill is one of the most-photographed spots in the state. Beyond the mill, the park has more than 20 miles of hiking trails winding up into the Appalachian hills, and Boley Lake offers paddle boat, rowboat, and canoe rentals at the marina. Geocachers have left trinkets throughout the park, especially near Glade Creek Waterfall.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum (1 Hour, 45 Minutes)
Construction on the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum began in 1858, and it opened in 1864 during the Civil War to house psychiatric patients. At 1,300 feet long, it remains one of the largest hand-cut stone masonry buildings in the United States. Originally designed to hold up to 250 patients under the 19th-century Kirkbride Plan, which emphasized natural light, air, and space, the asylum eventually housed as many as 2,400 patients at a time, with the crowding leading to documented abuses. It also housed Union and Confederate troops during various Civil War raids. The asylum closed in 1994 and now offers historical tours Tuesday through Sunday, with separate ghost tours available in the evening.
Starting City: Huntington
Huntington Museum of Art (Within the City)
At nearly 60,000 square feet, the Huntington Museum of Art is the largest art museum in West Virginia. The collection is eclectic, spanning fine paintings alongside decorative crafts. The Touma Gallery displays Middle Eastern pottery, metalwork, and woodwork including pieces from Damascus, Syria. The Herman P. Deans Firearms Collection covers early firearms and crossbows as examples of historic craftsmanship. On the grounds, West Virginia’s only plant conservatory showcases tropical and subtropical species, and 6 miles of hiking trails run through forested hills.
Heritage Farm Museum & Village (Within the City)
The Heritage Farm Museum & Village was the first Smithsonian Affiliate in West Virginia, recognized for its hands-on approach to Appalachian pioneer history. A former farmhouse converted into a multi-museum pioneer village, it covers specific aspects of Appalachian life across several buildings. The Progress Museum focuses on 1850s Appalachian settler life, while the Transportation Museum covers the railroad and frontier wagons. The Country Store Museum recreates a 19th-century general store, and the Children’s Hands-On Activity Center lets kids try 19th-century chores. A Treehouse Trek trail on canopy bridges rises 60 feet above the forest and ends at a large treehouse.
Beech Fork State Park (30 Minutes)
Less than half an hour from Huntington, the 3,000-acre Beech Fork State Park sits on Beech Fork Lake, a reservoir built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for flood control on Twelvepole Creek. The park’s 31 miles of shoreline support canoes, kayaks, johnboats, and paddle boards, rentable at the dock. Fishing includes largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, catfish, and bluegill, with a valid West Virginia fishing license required. Hiking trails wind around the lake and up to overlooks.
There’s A Lot To See On These Country Roads
John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” is still the most familiar song about West Virginia’s winding mountain roads, and along those roads are picturesque stops ranging from the Clay Center in Charleston to the Heritage Farm Village near Huntington. For travelers drawn to darker history, the Mothman Museum and the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum preserve the stranger and more haunting side of the state. All of these sites sit within an easy day-trip radius of Charleston or Huntington, so the drive itself becomes part of the experience.
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