🔗 Share this article

Former President Trump revealed on the weekend that he has extended an invitation the relatives of a National Guard member killed last week to attend the presidential home.

He added that he spoke to her parents and they were “devastated”.

Background on the Devastating Shooting

Soldier Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in a attack on last Wednesday in the nation's capital.

Her colleague, US air force staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, is still in the hospital in grave state.

Memorials across the state have been held in their memory.

Presidential Call

The president explained he’s discussed a meeting at the presidential residence for the loved ones of both members of the West Virginia Guard.

“I told them: ‘When you’re prepared, because that’s a hard experience, visit the White House. We’re going to honor Sarah,” the president informed the press. “And likewise with Andrew, whether he recovers or not.”

Community Response

Community members gathered over the past few days at Webster County high school in West Virginia to pay respects to Sarah.

Both they had been fulfilling duties with the West Virginia National Guard as part of the president’s national effort to support public safety in DC.

Honoring Beckstrom

“Sarah was the type of pupil that instructors wished for. She carried herself with calm resilience, a contagious smile and a optimistic attitude that inspired those around her,” Jarrod Hankins, the leader of her alma mater, told the press. “She was kind, caring and always eager to help others.”

Memorial arrangements for Sarah are in the process of planning.

Legal Steps and Policy Changes

Officials have indicted a 29-year-old suspect with one count of homicide and charges of assault with intent to kill while armed.

The incident caused the Trump administration to suspend refugee claims and cease granting entry permits to owners of Afghan passports.

Condition of Wolfe

Andrew Wolfe, a native of Martinsburg, began his service in 2019 and is a 2019 graduate of Musselman High, according to the Associated Press.

He is still undergoing care and is “in a critical fight”, West Virginia leader Patrick Morrisey said on a news program.

The state’s top lawyer Bondi stated on the program that she aimed to visit Wolfe’s family.

Impact of Sarah Beckstrom

Beckstrom, from Summersville, graduated from Webster County high school in 2023 and enlisted soon after, working as a law enforcement officer with honor, according to the West Virginia National Guard.

“She had a lot of compassion and she absolutely had courage,” he informed the gathering at the service. “Though her time was cut short, she has created a legacy that’s going to last forever.”