President Donald Trump has announced that 20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia has died.
The president confirmed that Beckstrom died of her injuries on Thanksgiving, just one day after she and another Guardsman were ambushed and shot by an Afghan terrorist in Washington, D.C.
“I heard that Sarah Beckstrom, of West Virginia … highly respected, young, magnificent person, started service in June of 2023, outstanding in every way, she’s just passed away,” Trump said.
“She’s no longer with us.
“She’s looking down at us right now.
“Her parents are with her.
“It’s just happened,” Trump noted.
“She was savagely attacked. She’s dead now.”
The second Guardsman, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Both soldiers were shot in the head at close range.
“He’s in very bad shape,” Trump said.
“He’s fighting for his life, and hopefully we’ll get better news with respect to him.”
The alleged gunman is 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, whom Trump called a “monster.”
Lakanwal is also hospitalized in serious condition.
“We won’t even talk about him,” Trump added.
National Outpouring of Grief and Demands for Justice
The reaction across military, law enforcement, and political leadership was immediate.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth wrote:
“An American hero, at home with the LORD. RIP, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom.
“May our nation kneel in prayer for her family.”
FBI Director Kash Patel said:
“Sarah Beckstrom was a young soldier and patriot with her entire life ahead of her.
“Please join me in praying for Sarah’s family, friends, and fellow soldiers left behind.”
D.C. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro issued a message promising consequences:
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom of the National Guard — a hero who volunteered to serve DC on Thanksgiving for people she never met and gave the ultimate sacrifice.
“May she rest in peace. It is now time to avenge her death and secure justice.”
In a previous statement, Pirro vowed to pursue the death penalty for Lakanwal if either of the troops died.
Attorney General Pam Bondi wrote:
“Please pray for Sarah’s family. America will never forget her courage.
“There WILL BE JUSTICE for Sarah.
“Continue to pray for Andrew.”
Bondi also confirmed that the Justice Department will pursue the death penalty against the accused gunman.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt added:
“May God Bless Sarah’s family during this unimaginably difficult time.”
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey praised Beckstrom as an example of courage and duty:
“She answered the call to serve, stepped forward willingly, and carried out her mission with the strength and character that define the very best of the West Virginia National Guard.”
Sen. Jim Justice (R-WV) said he and his wife were “heartbroken beyond words,” adding:
“We are also lifting up Andrew Wolfe in prayer as he continues his journey to recovery.”
Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) said:
“West Virginia will never forget Sarah’s service, her sacrifice, and the dedication she showed to her state and her country.”
Shooter Entered Under Biden’s Afghan Parole Program
Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden-era humanitarian parole program created after the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal.
He was reportedly vetted by the CIA in Afghanistan due to his prior work with a partner force and later by U.S. authorities during his asylum application.
Lakanwal’s asylum was later approved.
A Department of Justice Inspector General report released in June stated that investigators found “no systemic failures” in the vetting of Afghan refugees.
USCIS Now Re-Reviewing Green Cards From “Countries of Concern”
In the wake of the shooting, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced Thursday that officials will reexamine green cards issued to immigrants from every “country of concern,” including Afghanistan.
The agency also implemented new national security screening measures for applicants from “high-risk” nations.
READ MORE – U.S Attorney Pirro: D.C National Guard Shooter Could Receive Death Penalty
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