Tragic Shooting Claims Life of National Guard Member

On Thanksgiving Day, President Donald Trump confirmed that one of the U.S. National Guard members from West Virginia, who had been shot near the White House earlier in the week, has sadly passed away.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old from Summersville, West Virginia, succumbed to her injuries following an attack by a gunman from Afghanistan. This tragic incident took place just days ago, and it’s been labeled a targeted assault.

Beckstrom, who joined the West Virginia Army National Guard in June 2023, and her fellow Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, were sworn in just the day before the shooting. They had taken on a formal role overseeing high-visibility patrols in the area.

“Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, highly respected and an incredible person… She’s just passed away. She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now,” Trump remarked, sharing that he learned of her death moments before his call with the military.

The President went on to mention that Beckstrom’s parents were by her side when she passed away in the hospital. He expressed deep sorrow, stating, “She was savagely attacked… now she’s dead. Incredible person. Outstanding in every single way.”

As for Andrew Wolfe, he remains in critical condition, still “fighting for his life” in the hospital, according to Trump.

In response to this shocking event, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that he would deploy an additional 500 troops to the capital at the President’s request, mentioning Beckstrom’s passing as particularly painful news.

“An American hero, at home with the LORD,” he posted on social media. “RIP, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. May our nation kneel in prayer for her family.”

Both Guardsmen were part of the West Virginia National Guard. In light of the incident, Governor Patrick Morrisey has called for a statewide moment of silence and prayer at 2:15 p.m. on Friday to honor both Beckstrom and Wolfe, also ordering flags to half-staff.

The moment of silence is set for the same time the attack occurred on Wednesday.

“These two West Virginia heroes were serving our country and protecting our nation’s capital when they were maliciously attacked,” Morrisey stated. “Their courage and commitment to duty represent the very best of our state. I am asking every West Virginian to pause at 2:15 p.m. on Friday to pray for their families and their fellow service members.” He condemned the cowardly act.

The alleged shooter, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is an Afghan national who was brought to the U.S. during the Biden administration’s “Operation Allies Welcome.” He received asylum approval in April of this year and held a green card at the time of the shooting.