Trump says wounded National Guardsman's mother has insisted to him that her son will survive shooting

03 Dec 2025 By foxnews

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the mother of the wounded National Guardsman insisted to him that her son will survive, as the 24-year-old continues "fighting for his life" after being shot just blocks from the White House last week.

Trump remarked on the condition of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe during a Cabinet Meeting at the White House, giving reporters details of a conversation he had with Wolfe's mother following Wednesday's attack in the nation's capital. Wolfe was critically injured, while another National Guardsman, Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, was killed.

"And we have one young man who's fighting for his life. He's fighting very hard," Trump said, adding that while medical professionals "said he didn't have a chance," Wolfe's mother remained adamant that her son would live.

"I spoke to his mother, 'Sir, he's going to be okay, I'm telling you.' No doctor thought that. Nobody thought that. He was at bad places. And she was like, so positive. It was incredible. … It would be amazing if he lives. It would be amazing. A miracle, actually."

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Trump told reporters that Wolfe was still "fighting for his life" as of Tuesday.

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey provided an update on Wolfe's condition Tuesday, noting he remains in critical condition, but is stable.

"Doctors and the family are optimistic about his current progress and note that he has responded to some basic requests such as a thumbs up sign and wiggling his toes," Morrisey wrote in a statement on X. "The family continues to ask for prayers during this difficult time. The prayers are clearly helping."

Morrisey added that those who want to send a card or note to Wolfe may address it to the Berkeley County Sheriff's Department, located at 510 South Raleigh Street, Martinsburg, West Virginia 25401. It should be addressed to Andy Wolfe.

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Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday that he discussed a White House visit with the families of Wolfe and Beckstrom.

"I said, 'When you're ready, because that's a tough thing, come to the White House. We're going to honor Sarah,'" Trump said at the time. "And likewise with Andrew, recover or not."

The suspected shooter is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national. He faces charges of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Attorney General Pam Bondi has said the Department of Justice intends to seek the death penalty.

This is a developing news story; check back for updates.

Fox News Digital's Charles Creitz contributed to this report.