President Donald Trump provided an update Tuesday on West Virginia National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, who was critically injured in a terrorist attack in Washington, D.C., shortly before Thanksgiving. The attack, carried out by an Afghan national, also claimed the life of Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom.
During a speech in Pennsylvania focused on economic issues, Trump told the audience that he had spoken with Wolfe’s mother about her son’s condition. “In D.C., we had a tragic incident, as you know, with the two incredible people… Sarah and Andrew. Sarah passed away,” Trump said. “She’s looking at us from Heaven, from above. And Andrew’s the second one, who was also from the West Virginia National Guard. Incredible people.”
Trump added that Wolfe’s mother, Monica, had informed him that her son had recently stood up from his hospital bed for the first time since the attack. “Do you believe that? He got up,” Trump said, noting that Wolfe had not yet spoken but that the development was encouraging.
Trump also highlighted the support Wolfe and his family have received from medical staff and visiting military personnel. According to the family of Sarah Beckstrom, they have seen similar care and compassion in the wake of her death.
Wolfe’s improvement follows earlier updates from West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who said last week that Wolfe was able to respond to a nurse by giving a thumbs-up and moving his toes, though he remained in serious condition. Morrisey emphasized the importance of continued prayers and support for Wolfe and the families affected.
“I think that the West Virginia people are strong and they know that everything is being done right now to ensure that justice is served,” Morrisey said. “But equally important, we have to do everything possible to send prayers and to console people who are going through just unspeakable times right now.”