🔗 Share this article

President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he has extended an invitation the family of a Guard member fatally shot last week to attend the executive mansion.

He mentioned that he spoke to her parents and they were “heartbroken”.

Background on the Heartbreaking Incident

Soldier Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in a shooting on last Wednesday in Washington DC.

Her comrade, Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition.

Memorials across the state have occurred in their memory.

Presidential Call

The commander-in-chief stated he’s proposed a visit to the White House for the families of both individuals of the West Virginia National Guard.

“I stated: ‘When you’re ready, because that’s a hard experience, come to the White House. We’re going to recognize her,” Trump addressed the press. “And similarly with Andrew, whether he recovers or not.”

Public Support

Mourners gathered over the weekend at a local school in West Virginia to honor Beckstrom.

Both she and Wolfe had been serving with the military unit as part of the president’s national effort to assist public safety in Washington DC.

Remembering Sarah Beckstrom

“She was the kind of student that educators desired. She behaved with inner fortitude, a warm expression and a positive energy that inspired those around her,” Jarrod Hankins, the head of her alma mater, told the Associated Press. “She was caring, considerate and always ready to support those in need.”

Funeral details for Sarah are in the process of planning.

Legal Steps and Policy Changes

Law enforcement have charged a twenty-nine-year-old individual from Afghanistan with one count of murder and two counts of attempted murder while armed.

The tragedy caused the government to pause asylum applications and temporarily stop issuing visas to holders of Afghan passports.

Status of the Airman

The airman, a resident of the city, started his military career in February 2019 and is a graduate of his local high school, according to the Associated Press.

He remains under medical supervision and is “in a critical fight”, the state’s leader the governor mentioned on television.

Attorney general the attorney general stated on a news show that she also intended to speak to the family.

Legacy of the Fallen Soldier

Sarah, from Summersville, graduated from her high school in June 2023 and enlisted soon after, working as a law enforcement officer with excellence, per the state guard.

“She had a lot of goodness and she definitely had fortitude,” he informed the audience at the memorial. “Though her time lasted far too short, she has left a mark that’s going to be remembered always.”