President Trump Calls Relatives of Shot National Guard Members to the Presidential Residence
Former President Trump stated on Sunday that he has asked the loved ones of a Guard member tragically killed last week to visit the White House.
He added that he contacted her family and they were “devastated”.
Background on the Tragic Event
Soldier Beckstrom, 20, was lost her life in a shooting on Wednesday in the nation's capital.
Her fellow service member, US air force staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Vigils across West Virginia have been held in their memory.
Presidential Invitation
The president stated he’s talked about a meeting at the presidential residence for the families of both individuals of the state Guard.
“I stated: ‘When you’re able, because that’s a tough thing, visit the White House. We’re going to pay tribute to Sarah,” the president addressed reporters. “And likewise with him, no matter the outcome.”
Community Reaction
Community members assembled over the past few days at Webster County high school in the state to pay respects to Beckstrom.
Both she and Wolfe had been fulfilling duties with the military unit as part of the president’s federal initiative to assist law enforcement in DC.
Paying Tribute to the Soldier
“Sarah was the kind of student that instructors hoped for. She carried herself with calm resilience, a contagious smile and a positive energy that encouraged people around her,” the principal, the principal of her previous school, told the Associated Press. “She was caring, considerate and always ready to help others.”
Funeral arrangements for Sarah are yet to be finalized.
Legal Steps and Government Changes
Law enforcement have indicted a twenty-nine-year-old Afghan national with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while carrying a weapon.
The tragedy caused the government to halt asylum applications and temporarily stop providing visas to owners of passports from Afghanistan.
Status of Wolfe
Wolfe, a resident of Martinsburg, enlisted in early 2019 and is a graduate of his local high school, as reported by the AP.
He is still undergoing care and is “in a critical fight”, West Virginia leader the governor stated on a news program.
The state’s top lawyer Pam Bondi informed Fox News Sunday that she aimed to meet with his relatives.
Memory of Beckstrom
Sarah, from Summersville, graduated from Webster County High in mid-2023 and began her service not long after, working as a military police officer with excellence, as stated by the state guard.
“She had a lot of compassion and she definitely had bravery,” Morrisey informed the gathering at the vigil. “Though her life ended too soon, she has left a mark that’s going to endure.”