The nation mourns the loss of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard soldier, who tragically succumbed to injuries sustained in a shooting near the White House. President Donald Trump confirmed her passing on Thursday, following Wednesday's incident.
Beckstrom's family was by her side as she passed. Her father, Gary Beckstrom, had earlier conveyed the grim prognosis to the New York Times, stating her wound was fatal and recovery was impossible. "I’m holding her hand right now," he shared, "She has a mortal wound. It’s not going to be a recovery." He declined further comment, his grief palpable.
Another service member, 24-year-old Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, remains in critical condition from the same incident. His family, seeking privacy, requested only prayers for their son.
Both Beckstrom and Wolfe were part of West Virginia National Guard units deployed to Washington D.C. since August. Their deployment was a direct result of President Trump's order to send thousands of Guard troops to the capital as part of his administration's "crime-control push."
Remembering Sarah Beckstrom
Sarah Beckstrom, a native of Summersville, West Virginia, joined the West Virginia Army National Guard in June 2023. She served with the 863rd Military Police Company. Those who knew her described her as a "caring and tenderhearted" individual, deeply connected to her family.
Her former boyfriend, Adam Carr, highlighted her aspirations, noting she worked with military police and joined the Guard with a long-term goal of building a career within the FBI.
Beyond her military ambitions, Sarah had a profound love for nature, enjoyed long drives, and cherished time spent with loved ones. "As long as she was with people who cared about her, she was having a good time," Carr recalled.
Initially, Sarah wasn't enthusiastic about her deployment to Washington D.C. She even shared with Carr that some residents expressed unhappiness about the Guard's presence in the capital. However, over time, she adapted and began to find enjoyment in the city. She explored its numerous museums and walked among its historic memorials, experiencing a side of life vastly different from her home in West Virginia.
Her untimely death serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by service members, even during deployments within their own country. The incident remains under investigation, casting a somber shadow over the nation's capital.
