Trump Invites Families of Shot Guardsmen to White House/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump extended White House invitations to the families of two National Guard members shot in Washington, D.C. U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom died, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition. Vigils across West Virginia have honored the soldiers, while federal action has paused Afghan asylum decisions.
National Guard Shooting Tragedy Quick Looks
- President Trump invited the families of both Guardsmen to the White House.
- Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was fatally shot in Washington, D.C.
- Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.
- Both soldiers were deployed as part of Trump’s federal crime initiative.
- The shooting suspect is a 29-year-old Afghan national.
- Federal asylum and Afghan visa processes have been paused in response.
- Vigils in West Virginia honored Beckstrom’s life and Wolfe’s service.
- Beckstrom graduated high school in 2023 and served as a military police officer.
- Trump vowed to honor the soldiers’ service regardless of Wolfe’s recovery outcome.
- Governor Patrick Morrisey and other leaders visited the families and called for unity.
Deep Look
Trump Invites Families of Fallen and Wounded Guardsmen Following D.C. Shooting
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has extended invitations to the families of two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot during a violent incident in Washington, D.C. last week, one of whom was killed and the other critically injured. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump emphasized the nation’s commitment to honoring their sacrifice and supporting their families.
U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the line of duty, while 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe remains hospitalized in critical condition. Both soldiers were deployed as part of Trump’s federal policing initiative in the capital, aimed at cracking down on violent crime.
Trump stated that he had personally spoken with Beckstrom’s grieving parents. “They were devastated,” the president said. “I told them, ‘When you’re ready — because that’s a tough thing — come to the White House. We’re going to honor Sarah.’” He added that the family of Wolfe would be welcomed as well, regardless of the outcome of his ongoing medical battle.
The deadly shooting has sparked an outpouring of support across West Virginia. On Saturday, a candlelight vigil was held at Webster County High School, where Beckstrom had attended classes before graduating in June 2023. Gabriel Markle, the school’s principal, remembered her as a student who “carried herself with quiet strength, a contagious smile, and a positive energy.”
“Sarah was sweet, caring, and always willing to help others,” Markle said during the emotional memorial attended by friends, family, and community members.
Beckstrom enlisted immediately after graduation and served with distinction as a military police officer. The West Virginia National Guard praised her as a devoted and courageous member of the armed forces.
Governor Patrick Morrisey, speaking at the vigil, described Beckstrom as a “favorite daughter of Webster County” and said her short life had already left a lasting impact. “She had a lot of kindness and she certainly had courage,” Morrisey said. “Though her life lasted far too short, she has left a mark that’s going to last forever.”
Wolfe, originally from Martinsburg, graduated from Musselman High School in 2019 and joined the Air Force later that year. He has served with the National Guard since then and was deployed alongside Beckstrom to assist in federal crime control operations in the nation’s capital.
On Sunday, Morrisey confirmed that Wolfe remains “fighting for his life.” The governor visited Wolfe’s family earlier in the week and reiterated the state’s full support. “It’s a very challenging time for our state,” he said during a Fox News interview.
The suspect in the shooting has been identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national, now charged with first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. The attack has prompted immediate federal policy responses, with the Trump administration temporarily halting asylum decisions and visa issuances for individuals holding Afghan passports.
Attorney General Pam Bondi, who also expressed intent to meet with Wolfe’s family, addressed the situation on Fox News Sunday, stating that the Department of Justice was fully engaged in the investigation.
The administration’s decision to freeze Afghan immigration processes has stirred debate, but Trump defended the move as a necessary security precaution in light of the fatal attack.
Meanwhile, funeral arrangements for Beckstrom remain underway. Cathy Pettry, owner of Dodd & Reed Funeral Home in Webster Springs, confirmed ongoing discussions with the family regarding services.
“We’re in close contact and will support them every step of the way,” she said.
As the state and nation continue to mourn, community leaders emphasized unity and remembrance. The image of candles lit across the Webster County High School gymnasium served as a symbol of resilience and reflection. People gathered in bleachers and folding chairs, many weeping as they listened to eulogies from clergy and elected officials.
The tragic loss of Beckstrom and the critical condition of Wolfe have underscored the risks that accompany military service—even outside combat zones—and reignited discussions around the integration of National Guard forces in domestic security operations.
Though the nation waits for more details in the investigation, one thing remains certain: both soldiers are being remembered not just for their uniforms, but for the character, commitment, and courage they demonstrated in life.
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