President Trump Invites Families of Shot National Guard Members to White House Following D.C. Shooting
President Trump invited the families of U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who died, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, critically injured, after a shooting in Washington, D.C.
Overview
President Trump extended an invitation to the White House for the families of two National Guard members involved in a recent shooting incident in Washington, D.C.
U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom tragically died in the shooting, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains hospitalized in critical condition.
A 29-year-old Afghan national has been charged in connection with the shooting that led to the death of Spc. Beckstrom and injury of Staff Sgt. Wolfe.
Local communities, including Webster County, West Virginia, are holding vigils to honor Spc. Beckstrom, who was praised by Gov. Patrick Morrisey.
Spc. Beckstrom was remembered by her school principal as a student with quiet strength and a contagious smile, with funeral arrangements still pending.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally, focusing on factual reporting of events and attributing all opinions to their respective sources. They prioritize conveying information about the victims, community response, and official actions without injecting editorial judgment or loaded language, maintaining an objective tone throughout the narrative.
Sources (4)
FAQ
The suspect is 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national. He was initially charged with assault with intent to kill and criminal possession of a weapon, but those charges have since been upgraded to first-degree murder following the death of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom.
U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was a military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company, West Virginia Army National Guard. U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was assigned to the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard. Both were serving in Washington, D.C., as part of Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful.
The motive behind the shooting remains unclear. Authorities have not released any evidence or statements indicating a specific reason for the attack.
Communities, especially in West Virginia, have held vigils and moments of silence to honor Spc. Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Wolfe. Governor Patrick Morrisey ordered flags to be flown at half-staff, and a Thanksgiving night vigil was held in Webster Springs, West Virginia.
The shooting occurred around 2:15 p.m. on November 26, 2025, near the Farragut West Metro station in Washington, D.C. The suspect allegedly opened fire without provocation, striking both guardsmen. Spc. Beckstrom died from her injuries, and Staff Sgt. Wolfe remains hospitalized in critical condition.
History
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