Sarah Beckstrom, a National Guard member, was shot in Washington, DC, and has sadly passed away.
President Donald Trump shared the tragic news during a Thanksgiving call with service members, stating: “Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen that we’re talking about, highly respected, young, magnificent person, started service in June of 2023 outstanding in every way. She’s just passed away.”
Beckstrom, a US Army Specialist, and US Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were deployed to the nation’s capital in August as part of the administration’s efforts to address crime.
On the night before Thanksgiving, both officers were critically injured in a shooting incident that occurred just a short distance from the White House.
Following surgery, Beckstrom, aged 20, and Wolfe, aged 24, were in a critical state, leading family and local officials to call for public prayers and support.
Unfortunately, Beckstrom later succumbed to her injuries, passing away with her family present by her side.
The New York Times reported that her father was with her on Thanksgiving, staying close during her final moments.
“I’m holding her hand right now,” Gary Beckstrom shared with the Times over the phone. “She has a mortal wound. It’s not going to be a recovery.”
Beckstrom, from Summersville, West Virginia, began her service on June 26, 2023, with the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, West Virginia Army National Guard.
Her dedication and compassion made her a beloved member of the National Guard. She had even opted to work during the holiday period.
Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News, “She volunteered, as did many of those guardsmen and women, so other people could be home with their families, yet now their families are in hospital rooms with them while they are fighting for their lives.”
US Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe continues to be in critical condition at the hospital.
A suspect, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, remains in police custody.