(WASHINGTON) — Investigators are working to understand the motives behind a shooting that left one West Virginia National Guardsman dead and another critically injured near the White House. Officials reported on Monday that the surviving victim, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, is showing signs of improvement. Wolfe, 24, was shot during the attack on Thanksgiving Eve, which also claimed the life of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20.

Wolfe is currently in serious condition but has responded to medical staff. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey shared that Wolfe was able to give a thumbs up when prompted and even wiggled his toes, which he described as a positive sign. Morrisey conveyed a message from Wolfe's mother, Melody, who has been asking for prayers for her son, stating, "Those prayers are working."

The alleged shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is a 29-year-old married father of five from Bellingham, Washington. He reportedly drove across the country to carry out the attack while the Guardsmen were conducting high-visibility patrols. Lakanwal faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder and assault with intent to kill. The exact timeline for the unsealing of these charges remains unclear.

Lakanwal was shot by a responding National Guard member and is currently hospitalized. A profile of the suspect has begun to emerge, revealing that he is an Afghan national who previously worked with the CIA during the U.S. war in Afghanistan. Sources indicate that he may have been experiencing financial difficulties and mental health issues, possibly exacerbated by the recent death of a revered Afghan commander.

Lakanwal had worked with U.S. forces in Kandahar until the withdrawal in 2021. He entered the United States in 2021 and was granted asylum in April 2024. However, he struggled to find employment due to an expired work permit, leading to increased isolation and desperation.

The FBI is investigating the shooting as a potential act of international terrorism, although no evidence has yet linked Lakanwal to any terrorist organization. Officials are examining whether he had any associates overseas and are conducting a thorough investigation, including a search of his home in Washington state, where numerous electronic devices were found.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, "Somebody drove across the country to Washington, D.C., to attack America." The investigation is ongoing, with officials interviewing individuals connected to Lakanwal in both Washington and San Diego.

The attack has raised significant concerns about national security, with former President Trump calling it a "crime against our entire nation" and urging a reevaluation of Afghan nationals who have entered the U.S. under the current administration. The National Guard members were deployed to the capital as part of a federal initiative, and the incident is being treated as an attack on federal law enforcement officers.

As the investigation continues, the community has come together to honor the memory of Spc. Beckstrom, with Governor Morrisey noting the outpouring of support and admiration for her character and service. The situation remains fluid as authorities work to uncover the full circumstances surrounding this tragic event.