The nation mourns U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, of the West Virginia National Guard, who died following a targeted ambush near the White House. Read her story of service and sacrifice.
The news broke on Thanksgiving Day, replacing gratitude with profound grief across the nation. U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old soldier with the West Virginia National Guard, succumbed to injuries sustained in a targeted ambush near the White House. Her death, announced by President Donald Trump during a call with service members, serves as a solemn reminder of the inherent risks faced by those who answer the call of duty, even when serving on domestic soil.
The Targeted Attack and the Ultimate Sacrifice
Specialist Beckstrom and her comrade, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe (24), were on patrol just blocks from the White House in Washington D.C., on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, when they were targeted in a shooting. Both soldiers were critically wounded and rushed to the hospital.
The incident was quickly labeled by authorities, including the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, as an “ambush-style” attack Who was Sarah Beckstrom? National Guard member shot near White House, dies from injuries.
In the ensuing investigation, the FBI Director Kash Patel stated the agency is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism National guard member Sarah Beckstrom has died after shooting in Washington DC, Trump announces. The suspect, identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was apprehended after being neutralized by other Guard members at the scene. He had reportedly driven across the country to launch the attack. Staff Sgt. Wolfe remains in the hospital, fighting for his life.
The Aspirations and Background of Specialist Beckstrom
Sarah Beckstrom, hailing from Summersville, West Virginia, was described by those who knew her as “caring and tender-hearted” with a “huge heart” 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom dies in DC shooting: What to know about her boyfriend.
Her brief but impactful military career began in June 2023. She was assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade of the West Virginia Army National Guard.
Specialist Beckstrom’s deployment to Washington D.C. since August 2025 was part of a broader National Guard mobilization intended to support local law enforcement. For Beckstrom, this service was more than just a mission; it was a stepping stone toward a greater dream. Sources close to her confirm she joined the National Guard with the explicit ambition of pursuing a career with the FBI.
In a heartbreaking detail, it was reported that Specialist Beckstrom had volunteered to remain in the capital over the Thanksgiving holiday, showing her unwavering commitment to duty and service to a city she quickly grew to appreciate, despite initial reservations. Her final moments were spent with her parents by her side, a small comfort in an overwhelming tragedy.
The Response: Mourning a Hero’s Loss
The news of her passing resonated immediately from the highest levels of government. President Trump called her an “incredible person, outstanding in every single way.” West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey also issued a statement, praising her sense of 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.”
This incident, which comes amid political debate over the deployment of military personnel in the nation’s capital, highlights the vulnerable position of those tasked with maintaining order. Specialist Beckstrom’s tragic death underscores the reality that the lines between domestic and combat service are increasingly blurred for our Guard forces.
A Call to Remembrance
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom gave her life serving her country, a sacrifice that deserves our enduring remembrance. As the investigation into the motives of the alleged shooter continues, the nation’s focus remains on honoring her courage and praying for the full recovery of Staff Sgt. Wolfe.
The best way to honor Specialist Beckstrom is to recognize the ultimate price paid by young men and women like her, who stand guard over our communities and our capital.