Donald Trump has been approached regarding his attendance at the funeral of Sarah Beckstrom, a National Guard member who recently passed away.
Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard, was one of two guards shot by an Afghan national near the White House on November 26.
Both guards sustained critical injuries from the incident. Unfortunately, 20-year-old Beckstrom did not survive.
During a Thanksgiving call with US troops, Trump mentioned he had received the news that Specialist Beckstrom had died, while 24-year-old Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, the other injured guard, was still battling for his life.
“She’s just passed away,” Trump stated. “She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her.”
Trump described Beckstrom as an ‘incredible person, outstanding in every single way’.
The individual charged with the shooting is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, aged 29. He had been part of a special CIA-backed Afghan army unit before moving to the United States, sources informed the Associated Press.
Following Beckstrom’s death, Trump was questioned about his attendance at her funeral.
“It is certainly something I could conceive of,” he responded, according to The Mirror. “I love West Virginia, and I won West Virginia by one of the biggest margins of any president anywhere.”
Trump added: “These are great people. I love the people of West Virginia, I love the people of our country, but I haven’t given it any thought.”
A Veterans of Foreign Wars post in Webster Springs, Beckstrom’s hometown, will be holding prayer vigils this evening and the following evening, as per a Facebook announcement from the Webster County Veterans Auxiliary.
The Facebook announcement stated: “Our hearts are absolutely broken to share that Sarah has passed away from the injuries she sustained in the D.C. attack. There are no words big enough for this loss. Please keep her family, friends, and fellow soldiers close in your prayers as they face the unimaginable.
“We will still be gathering for the community vigils — now to honor Sarah’s memory, to lift up her family, and to pray for the other service member who remains injured.”
Attendees of the vigils are encouraged to wear blue ribbons in Beckstrom’s memory, as the color blue symbolizes support and honor for service members.
Details regarding the date of Beckstrom’s funeral have not yet been announced.
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