Condolences for Sarah Beckstrom, National Guard Member, Flood In

A photo released by the U.S. Attorney's Office on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, shows Specialist Sarah Beckstrom of the National Guard. Beckstrom, 20, from West Virginia, died on Thanksgiving after sustaining injuries while deployed in Washington, D.C., the previous day.

Her fellow soldier, Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, also injured in the same incident near the White Housedescribed by officials as a targeted attackremains in critical condition following surgery.

President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstroms death during a call with service members. He described her as no longer with us and shared that he had spoken with her devastated family. Trump suggested he might attend her funeral in West Virginia and praised her as outstanding in every way.

In Washington, D.C., local and federal law enforcement lined the streets to honor Beckstrom as her body was moved from MedStar Washington Hospital to the medical examiners office. Beckstrom had been deployed to D.C. over the summer as part of Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful, which involved more than 2,000 National Guard members supporting the citys security efforts.

Back in West Virginia, communities gathered to honor Beckstroms memory. In Webster Springs, near her high school, residents laid flowers and held vigils while also keeping Staff Sgt. Wolfe in their prayers.

Tributes from Leaders and Colleagues

Governor Patrick Morrissey remembered Beckstrom as a model member of the West Virginia National Guard. Sarah served with courage, extraordinary resolve, and an unwavering sense of duty to her state and nation, he said. We honor her bravery and sacrifice.

The West Virginia National Guard also released a statement highlighting Beckstroms dedication: Spc. Beckstrom, a 2023 graduate of Webster County High School from Summersville, volunteered for Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful to help protect the nations capital. Her loss is deeply felt across our One Guard Family and the Mountain State.

National leaders joined in the tributes. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called her an American hero, while Attorney General Pam Bondi pledged justice and vowed America would remember her courage. FBI Director Kash Patel described Beckstrom as a young soldier and patriot and asked the nation to pray for her. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries emphasized the need to protect service members who defend the country.

Beckstrom was with her family in her final moments. Her father, Gary Beckstrom, shared that he held her hand and understood the injuries were fatal. Former boyfriend Adam Carr, who ended a six-year relationship on good terms, described her as selfless and compassionate.

Impact on Immigration Policies

The D.C. shooting has influenced the Trump administrations immigration policies. Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, has been identified as the sole suspect. In response, President Trump ordered a review of all Afghan refugees admitted under the Biden administration and temporarily halted immigration processing for Afghan nationals. He also announced plans to permanently pause migration from all third-world countries to allow the U.S. system to recover, directing a thorough review of Green Cards from certain countries listed in a prior presidential proclamation.

Some international observers, including U.N. representatives, have warned against what they see as collective punishment affecting communities connected to the suspects nationality.

Lakanwal remains in custody facing murder and other charges, while the FBI continues a nationwide investigation into the motive behind the attack on the West Virginia National Guard members.

Author: Sophia Brooks