On Sunday, President Donald Trump announced that he has invited the family of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, a National Guard member fatally shot in Washington, D.C., to the White House. In a conversation with her parents, Trump noted their devastation over the loss. Beckstrom, 20, was shot last week, and her colleague, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition after the incident.
During his address to reporters, Trump expressed his intention to honor Beckstrom, stating, "I said, 'When you’re ready, because that’s a tough thing, come to the White House. We’re going to honor Sarah.'" He also conveyed concern for Wolfe, saying the invitation stands "likewise with Andrew, recover or not." The two members of the West Virginia National Guard had been deployed as part of Trump's crime-fighting initiative which included federalizing the D.C. police force.
A memorial vigil for the soldiers was held recently in Webster County, West Virginia, at Webster County High School, where Beckstrom was a student. Principal Gabriel Markle described her as a standout student who was noted for her "quiet strength," "contagious smile," and "positive energy" that uplifted those around her. "She was sweet, caring and always willing to help others," Markle added.
Beckstrom, who graduated in June 2023, enlisted in the National Guard the same month and served as a military police officer. Meanwhile, Wolfe, a Martinsburg native, entered service in February 2019 after graduating from Musselman High School. As of the latest updates, he is still hospitalized and "fighting for his life," as stated by West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, who visited Wolfe's family.
In response to the shooting, a 29-year-old Afghan national has been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. The tragic incident prompted the Trump administration to pause all asylum decisions and temporarily halt visa issues for individuals traveling on Afghan passports, indicative of heightened security concerns stemming from the incident.
At the vigil, Gov. Morrisey highlighted the community's sorrow, paying tribute to Beckstrom as a "favorite daughter of Webster County" who left an enduring legacy. He acknowledged her kindness and courage, emphasizing that her life, though tragically cut short, made a lasting impact. "She had a lot of kindness and she certainly had courage. Though her life lasted far too short, she has left a mark that’s going to last forever," he shared with the crowd.
As for Beckstrom's funeral arrangements, family representatives from Dodd & Reed Funeral Home in Webster Springs stated they are in communication with her family to finalize the details. Meanwhile, the townspeople gathered at the vigil lit candles in remembrance and listened to clergy speak about the profound loss felt throughout the community.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi mentioned plans to meet with Wolfe's family, indicating ongoing support for those affected by the tragedy. The community continues to mourn while honoring the service and sacrifice of both Beckstrom and Wolfe during this challenging time.
