Donald Trump said Sunday that he had invited the family of a National Guard member to the White House after she was shot and killed last week, adding that he had spoken to her parents and that they were deeply saddened.
Sarah Beckstrom, 20, a US Army specialist, was killed in a shooting in Washington DC on Wednesday. His fellow service member, U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition. Vigils were held throughout West Virginia in his memory.
The president said he has discussed a White House visit for the parents of both West Virginia National Guard members.
“I said: ‘When you’re ready, because this is a tough thing, come to the White House. We’re going to honor Sarah,'” Trump told reporters. “And the same with Andrew, recovery or not.”
Mourners came together at Webster County High School in West Virginia over the weekend to honor Beckstrom. Both he and Wolfe were working with the West Virginia National Guard as part of Trump’s federal initiative to support policing efforts in DC.
Beckstrom’s former high school principal, Jerrod Hankins, told the Associated Press, “Sarah was the kind of student teachers hoped for. She led with a quiet strength, infectious smile and positive energy that made those around her happy.” “She was sweet, caring and always ready to help others.”
Details of Beckstrom’s funeral are still being arranged.
Authorities have charged the 29-year-old Afghan national with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of armed assault with intent to murder. The incident caused the Trump administration to suspend the asylum process and temporarily stop issuing visas to Afghan passport holders.
Wolfe, a Martinsburg native, began his service in February 2019 and is a 2019 graduate of Musselman High School, according to the AP. He continues to be treated and is “fighting for his life,” West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey told Fox News Channel’s The Sunday Briefing.
Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News Sunday that she also intends to meet with Wolfe’s family.
Beckstrom, of Summersville, graduated from Webster County High School in June 2023 and joined the service as a military police officer shortly thereafter, according to the West Virginia National Guard.
“He had a lot of kindness and he certainly had courage,” Morrissey told the crowd at the prayer service. “Although his life was short-lived, he left a mark that will last forever.”
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