U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro Gives Update on Critically Wounded West Virginia National Guard Member Andrew Wolfe

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Community Rallies After Tragic Shooting Leaves Guard Member Hospitalized

U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro provided an emotional update Thursday on the condition of West Virginia National Guard member Andrew Wolfe, who remains in critical condition following a shooting incident earlier this week. “We still have hope. He’s still in critical condition,” Pirro said, addressing reporters gathered outside the hospital. Her remarks underscored the collective anxiety and resolve shared by both local residents and members of the National Guard community.

Pirro confirmed that authorities are working closely with Wolfe’s family as he continues to fight for his life in a Charleston medical facility. “We are doing everything we can to assist his family and to make sure that they have everything they need during this difficult time for them,” she said. Her statement was both a reassurance and a rallying cry for a community that has spent the past several days united in prayer and support for one of its own.

A Veteran Dedicated to Service

Andrew Wolfe, 29, is a decorated member of the West Virginia National Guard, known among colleagues for his dedication, discipline, and quiet leadership. Local media and officials have described him as a “stalwart soldier” who had served multiple domestic deployments, including in disaster relief operations following severe flooding in 2016 and again during pandemic response efforts in 2020.

Family members have said that Wolfe’s commitment to service began early. Raised in Morgantown, he enlisted fresh out of high school, following a long line of relatives with military backgrounds. His work with the Guard often took him to some of the state’s most devastated regions, where he coordinated logistics and humanitarian aid projects. Fellow soldiers describe him as dependable under pressure, a voice of calm in the most chaotic of circumstances.

The Incident Under Investigation

Little has been officially released regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting that left Wolfe gravely injured. State and federal investigators, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), are collaborating with local law enforcement to determine the sequence of events that occurred near Wolfe’s residence in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Police have confirmed that an individual of interest is in custody but have not yet released a name pending charges.

Authorities indicated that foul play is suspected, though they have not disclosed possible motives. Pirro noted that her office is coordinating closely with the West Virginia State Police and other agencies to ensure a “thorough and transparent investigation.” She added, “This case is of the highest priority, not just because Andrew is a member of our National Guard, but because every act of violence against a public servant threatens the entire community.”

Vigils and Outpouring of Support Across West Virginia

Across the state, citizens have turned their concern into collective action. Candlelight vigils were held Wednesday evening in Charleston, Morgantown, and Huntington, where residents gathered outside National Guard armories to show solidarity. Social media platforms quickly filled with messages of support, with the hashtag #PrayForWolfe trending regionally by early Thursday morning.

Governor’s Mansion staff confirmed that flags will remain at half-staff until Wolfe’s condition stabilizes. Numerous state and local officials issued public statements recognizing Wolfe’s service and calling for community unity. Churches and local businesses have organized donation drives to assist the Wolfe family with travel and lodging expenses during his hospitalization.

For many in West Virginia, the response has reflected the state’s long tradition of mutual support, rooted in its close-knit towns and rural communities. Local residents, accustomed to weathering natural disasters and economic hardships together, have once again demonstrated a profound sense of solidarity in times of crisis.

Historical Context: The Role of the National Guard in West Virginia

The West Virginia National Guard has long played a vital role in both state and national service. Since its formation in the late 19th century, the Guard has been on the front lines of both combat and domestic emergencies. In recent decades, its units have been deployed for overseas conflicts, refugee assistance, and disaster relief ranging from hurricanes to chemical spills.

During the 2014 Elk River chemical leak, National Guard members, including Wolfe’s unit, were instrumental in distributing clean drinking water to thousands of affected residents. The Guard’s presence during those days became a symbol of institutional competence and compassion.

In regions like Appalachia, where federal and local resources can often be stretched thin, the Guard serves as a critical bridge between the national government and rural communities. Wolfe’s service is therefore emblematic of a broader tradition of citizen-soldiers who contribute not only through armed defense but also through civic resilience.

Economic and Social Impact of the Incident

The attack on Wolfe has triggered not only emotional distress but also practical ripple effects throughout the Guard’s operations in the region. The National Guard confirmed that multiple training exercises have been temporarily suspended to allow units to provide support to Wolfe’s team and family. Community organizations have reported an influx of donations to the “Wolfe Recovery Fund,” which was established less than 24 hours after the incident.

Economists in the region note that such acts of violence against public servants can have subtle but lasting implications. Local morale and recruitment rates for military and law enforcement agencies often dip temporarily in the wake of similar incidents. Analysts point to comparable cases in neighboring states, including a 2019 incident in eastern Kentucky when a sheriff’s deputy was critically injured in the line of duty, leading to a short-term decline in volunteer sign-ups and a rise in regional security expenditures.

West Virginia officials have pledged to ensure that resources continue flowing to the Guard community, acknowledging that members’ sense of safety and belonging is essential not only for defense readiness but also for long-term civic trust.

National and Regional Comparisons

Incidents like the one involving Wolfe echo concerns over increasing violence directed toward public safety personnel across the United States. Data from the Department of Defense and the National Guard Bureau indicate that there has been a modest but noticeable rise in targeted attacks against service members and veterans during the past five years.

Neighboring states, including Ohio and Pennsylvania, have responded by enhancing security protocols around Guard facilities, improving access to mental health services for returning personnel, and expanding partnerships between federal agents and local law enforcement to monitor potential threats. West Virginia’s Guard leadership has already signaled an intention to adopt similar measures once the immediate investigation concludes.

While officials emphasize that Wolfe’s case remains isolated, it has reignited conversations about protective measures for service members in civilian contexts—particularly those working off base or in smaller communities.

Federal Commitment and Ongoing Investigation

U.S. Attorney Pirro emphasized the federal government’s ongoing commitment to both the investigation and the Wolfe family’s welfare. Her office is providing liaison support to ensure the family receives needed assistance with hospital care and travel logistics. “We are all praying for Andrew Wolfe,” Pirro said, her voice steady but somber. “He represents the best of us, and we will stand by him and his loved ones through this fight.”

Federal investigators, meanwhile, continue to analyze evidence collected from the crime scene. Officials have not publicly commented on whether the shooting is being treated as a targeted assault or a random act of violence. However, multiple law enforcement sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that digital and surveillance footage from nearby properties is being reviewed.

Authorities are expected to provide another formal update early next week as forensic testing results come in. Until then, the focus remains on both medical updates and community healing.

A Community Waiting for Hope

Outside Charleston Memorial Hospital, rows of American flags line the entrance, many placed there by strangers who have come simply to express solidarity. Messages of encouragement taped to hospital windows read “Stay strong, Andrew” and “Your service is our strength.” Guardsmen continue to stand vigil outside, joined by firefighters, paramedics, and neighbors.

Doctors have stated that Wolfe’s next 72 hours are critical as he undergoes additional surgeries. Family members remain by his side, describing him as “a fighter.” The sentiment resonates far beyond hospital walls, uniting everyone from fellow soldiers to schoolchildren who have drawn cards and banners in his honor.

As the investigation unfolds and officials maintain cautious optimism, the state watches and waits. For West Virginians, Andrew Wolfe represents more than one man in uniform; he embodies a spirit of sacrifice and community endurance. Whether in distant battlefields or at home, that spirit continues to define the heart of Appalachia—a region that knows how to stand together in times of both tragedy and hope.