‘Andrew stood up today, and people can’t believe it,’ Trump said at an event.
President Donald Trump said on Dec. 9 that West Virginia National Guard member Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who was critically injured after being shot in Washington last month, has stood up from his bed and is showing signs of recovery.
Wolfe and fellow National Guard member Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom were shot on Nov. 26 in what U.S. authorities say was an ambush near the White House. Beckstrom died of her injuries the following day, while Wolfe was left in critical condition.
Trump gave an update on Wolfe’s condition during a speech at an event in Pennsylvania.
“Today I got a call that he got up from bed. Do you believe that? He got up, he got up,” he said.
The president added that Wolfe has not spoken yet, noting that the National Guard member had been hit in the head during the attack.
“He didn’t speak, he’s not ready for that yet. I mean, he got hit in the head, but he got up and, boy, they’re so happy. It’s amazing,” he said, while commending the hospital staff and the military for their care.
“The love and the affection and the care that they’re given, they can’t even believe what’s happened. But Andrew stood up today, and people can’t believe it.”
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said on Dec. 5 that Wolfe’s head wound is slowly improving, and he is beginning to “look more like himself,” quoting Wolfe’s parents.
Wolfe’s family said they expect him to remain in acute care for another two to three weeks as he continues recovering, according to the governor, adding that they have been “optimistic about his progress.”
“We continue to ask all West Virginians and Americans for their prayers! They are making a difference,” Morrisey said.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was shot during the confrontation.
Trump said in his speech that the U.S. government will seek the death penalty for Lakanwal, calling the attack an “act of terrorism.”
