Just before the West Virginia Mountaineers got on the field to play the No. 5 Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday in Morgantown, the stadium fell silent to remember two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot in Washington, D.C., earlier in the week.
The PA announcer called the crowd to quiet, and the arena honored 24‑year‑old US Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe from Martinsburg and 20‑year‑old Sarah Beckstrom from Webster Springs. Their photos were projected onto the scoreboard while everyone held the moment of silence.
Both soldiers were hit near the White House while on deployment in D.C. Beckstrom died from her injuries, and Wolfe remains in critical condition. Authorities believe the shooter was 29‑year‑old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
The fatal shooting took place during the day, and an eyewitness video shows the suspect in dark clothing pulling a .357 revolver and firing from a corner as Guardsmen scrambled for cover. One Guardsman returned fire, and officers later apprehended Lakanwal three blocks from the White House after he was shot. Officials say he fired ten to fifteen rounds during the attack.
Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 under the Operation Allies Welcome program, part of President Biden’s Afghan evacuation and resettlement effort. Prosecutors argue he had no prior criminal record and traveled across the country shortly before the incident. He now faces first‑degree murder and two counts of armed assault with intent to kill, and Attorney General Pam Bondi has said the Department of Justice seeks the death penalty.
The tragedy deeply affected the West Virginia community. Rep. Riley Moore, R‑W.Va., told “FOX & Friends Weekend” that Wolfe is “hanging on” and his family is appealing for prayers. Governor Patrick Morrisey echoed the sentiment, saying the state “cares very deeply” about its Guard and that these events hit home for many in West Virginia.
Despite the loss, the Mountaineers played a tough game. Texas Tech, one of the country’s top squads, ran them out 49‑0, snapping their season at 11‑1. West Virginia finished the year 4‑8. The report was expanded by Fox News’ Michael Dorgan, Greg Norman, and Madeleine Rivera.
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