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Wounded D.C. Guardsman Cleared to Begin Inpatient Rehab After 'Extraordinary' Recovery

His neurosurgeon credits rapid first responders alongside specialized trauma care for saving his life.

Overview

  • Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is transitioning from acute care at MedStar Washington Hospital Center to an undisclosed inpatient rehabilitation facility.
  • Doctors report he is breathing on his own and can stand with assistance, marking key recovery milestones in the weeks since the Nov. 26 shooting near Farragut West.
  • Wolfe’s mother described new gains such as sitting up for hours, increased movement on his right side, smiling and nonverbal communication, though he is not yet speaking.
  • The attack also killed Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, as the pair patrolled near the White House as members of the West Virginia National Guard.
  • Suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal was shot, taken into custody, and has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder, while Guard deployments in D.C. have risen to about 2,600 and the mission has drawn increased scrutiny in Congress.