Honoring Fallen National Guard Members

President Donald Trump’s administration is paying tribute to fallen members of the National Guard, particularly highlighting Sarah Beckstrom, who tragically lost her life mere yards from the White House.

On Thursday, the White House had all flags on the grounds flown at half-staff after Beckstrom succumbed to gunshot injuries on Thanksgiving Day, November 27. An Afghan national, reportedly with connections to the CIA, is accused of fatally shooting her alongside Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolf the day before in Washington, DC.

Beckstrom was just 20 years old.

The proclamation from the Trump administration honored all public buildings and grounds, military garrisons, naval bases, and vessels across the federal government, effective until sunset on December 4, 2025.

Additionally, flags would be at half-staff at U.S. embassies, consulates, and military installations globally.

Rahmanullah Lakhanwal, aged 29, has been formally charged in connection with Beckstrom’s murder. Staff Sgt. Wolf, 24, who is expected to recover, was also attacked.

Lakhanwal entered the U.S. under President Biden’s Operation Welcoming Allies program following the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. He had been involved in a CIA-supported military mission targeting Taliban leaders.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that the Biden administration had justified Lakhanwal’s relocation to the U.S. in September 2021 due to his prior cooperation with American forces.