Trump invites families of national guard members shot to White House

On Sunday, former President Donald Trump announced that he extended an invitation to the family of a National Guard member who was fatally shot last week, revealing he had spoken with her parents, who were devastated by the loss.

US Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in a shooting on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Her colleague, US Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in critical condition. Communities across West Virginia have held vigils in their honor.

Trump mentioned that he has discussed arranging a visit to the White House for the families of both West Virginia National Guard members. He told reporters, I said: When youre ready, because thats a tough thing, come to the White House. Were going to honor Sarah. And likewise with Andrew, recover or not.

Over the weekend, mourners gathered at Webster County High School in West Virginia to pay tribute to Beckstrom. Both she and Wolfe were serving with the West Virginia National Guard as part of a federal initiative to support law enforcement in D.C.

Jarrod Hankins, principal of Beckstroms former high school, described her to the Associated Press as the kind of student that teachers hoped for. She carried herself with quiet strength, a contagious smile, and a positive energy that lifted people around her. She was sweet, caring, and always willing to help others.

Funeral arrangements for Beckstrom are still pending. Authorities have charged a 29-year-old Afghan national with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. The shooting prompted the Trump administration to halt asylum processing and temporarily suspend visa issuance for Afghan passport holders.

Wolfe, a native of Martinsburg, began his service in February 2019 and is a 2019 graduate of Musselman High School, according to the AP. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey told Fox News Sunday that Wolfe is fighting for his life. Attorney General Pam Bondi also indicated plans to meet with Wolfes family.

Beckstrom, from Summersville, graduated from Webster County High School in June 2023 and enlisted shortly after, serving with distinction as a military police officer. Governor Morrisey told the vigil attendees, She had a lot of kindness and she certainly had courage. Though her life lasted far too short, she has left a mark thats going to last forever.

Author: Sophia Brooks