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National Guard member Andrew Wolfe, shot in DC, has shown positive signs, West Virginia governor says

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National Guard member Andrew Wolfe, shot in DC, has shown positive signs, West Virginia governor says


The surviving West Virginia National Guardsman who was shot by a terror suspect near the White House is showing positive signs of recovery – but remains in critical condition, his home state’s governor said Monday. 

Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, has begun flashing a thumbs up and moving his toes when asked by nurses if he can hear their questions.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey (right) asked the public to pray for Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. AP
“Andrew is still fighting for his life,” Morrisey said. “Andrew needs prayers.” U S Army National Guard/UPI/Shutterstock

“Andrew is still fighting for his life,” West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said Monday. “Andrew needs prayers.”

Wolfe was rushed to a hospital in critical condition after being shot alongside 20-year-old Spc. Sarah Beckstrom while on patrol Wednesday afternoon in Washington, DC. 

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Beckstrom was shot in the head and chest, and later died of her wounds.

The alleged gunman, 29-year-old Afghan immigrant Rahmanullah Lakanwal, was also shot and stabbed in the altercation and remains hospitalized.

A motive for Lakanwal’s alleged attack remains unknown. 

But Homeland Security Sec. Kristi Noem announced Sunday that the alleged killer is believed to have been radicalized after coming to the US in 2021.

Lakanwal was part of a CIA-trained outfit of Afghanistan locals who battled the Taliban during the US’ involvement in the country.

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Rahmanullah Lakanwal is charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault in the shooting. US Attorney’s Office/AFP via Getty Images

He reportedly suffered a mental breakdown over the violence he saw with the unit, but was allowed to move to the Seattle area after the US’ chaotic pullout from the Middle Eastern country in 2021.

The shooting has been deemed a terror attack, and Lakanwal has been charged with first-degree murder.

Lakanwal was subdued by two National Guardsmen who heard the gunfire and sprang into action. One was armed with nothing but a pocket knife and managed to take the alleged terrorist down, while the other shot him.

Wolfe and Beckstrom were among about 2,200 National Guard troops stationed in DC as part of the president’s crime-fighting deployment to the capital.

About 170 of them were from the West Virginia Guard, and had volunteered to stay on in November after the deployment was reduced.

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Beckstrom had even volunteered for duty the day she was shot so that others could go home to be with their families for Thanksgiving.

“Our sole focus right now is looking after the well-being of the 170 service members who are on the ground, focusing on the family, assuring that prayers are going out,” Morrisey said of the remaining West Virginia troops.



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West Virginia

West Virginia Mountain Bike Association holds Race to Lil Moe’s in Philippi

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West Virginia Mountain Bike Association holds Race to Lil Moe’s in Philippi


PHILIPPI, W.Va (WDTV) – The West Virginia Mountain Bike Association kicked off its cross country series Sunday with the Race to Lil Moe’s in Philippi.

The event had options for all skill levels. Bikers had the choice to race 6 miles, 14 miles, or 19 miles.

Each race had a mix of straight track biking, and twisting and climbing through the woods. Bikers of all ages could participate, and each age group had its own race and results.

“I really do think that trails build community, and if you can get outdoor activity where people can come out and hike and bike,” said George Finly, a mountain biker and trail volunteer. “This is as much as a hiking trail as it is a biking trail. It’s right along the river, which is beautiful. Eagles were flying back and forth yesterday, and today is great because we’ve got a lot of kids out here.”

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The next WVMBA cross country mountain bike race will be April 19 in Buckhannon.



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West Virginia

Second-annual Rhododendron Roll brings thousands to West Virginia State Capitol

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Second-annual Rhododendron Roll brings thousands to West Virginia State Capitol


Thousands of people attended the second annual Rhododendron Roll event at the West Virginia State Capitol in Charleston, West Virginia on March 28, 2026, featuring an Easter egg hunt, entertainment activities, and a speech by Gov. Patrick Morrisey.



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No Kings protests draw crowds nationwide, including in Wheeling, West Virginia

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No Kings protests draw crowds nationwide, including in Wheeling, West Virginia


Protesters lined Kruger Street and National Road in Wheeling on Saturday as part of “No Kings” demonstrations held across the country.

People were already packed along the streets before the protest began at 11:30 as participants cited rising gas prices and the controversial Iran war. Protesters chanted and voiced their opinions during the event.

Teddie Grogan said the group gathered to push back against what they see as undemocratic leadership and unnecessary conflict. “We’re here today to protest the fact that we want our country we want it run as a democracy we don’t want wars that are somebodys choice and not a necessity,” Grogan said.

Former U.S. military member Cody Cumpston also criticized the current administration and said he is frustrated by the cost of living and the direction of the country. “I’m here today because of the current administration we’re in a new war we didn’t need to be in prices are still skyrocketing I’m just tired of it I feel like they’ve forgotten all about us and they keep forgetting about us,” Cumpston said.

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Another protester, April Pascoli, said she believes many people are not aware of what the administration is doing internationally and at home. “If I don’t go to work one day and I ask people do you know what’s happening in this country? And somebody says, we’re at war right now? Really? People my age don’t even know that we have troops on the ground, that they are bombing. Bombing our bases in the middle east. Do you know that, do you realize that?” Pascoli said.



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