🔗 Share this article

Former President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he has extended an invitation the loved ones of a Guard member killed last week to come to the White House.

He mentioned that he contacted her parents and they were “devastated”.

Background on the Tragic Event

US army specialist Sarah Beckstrom, twenty years old, was killed in a shooting on last Wednesday in the nation's capital.

Her fellow service member, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in grave state.

Vigils across West Virginia have taken place in their memory.

White House Call

The commander-in-chief said he’s talked about a visit to the White House for the families of both members of the state National Guard.

“I told them: ‘When you’re prepared, because that’s a hard experience, arrive at the White House. We’re going to honor her,” Trump told the press. “And in the same way with him, recover or not.”

Public Response

Community members assembled over the past few days at a local school in West Virginia to pay respects to Beckstrom.

Both the soldiers had been working with the state guard as part of the president’s federal initiative to support public safety in the capital.

Remembering Sarah Beckstrom

“She was the kind of student that instructors hoped for. She carried herself with calm resilience, a warm expression and a positive energy that encouraged people around her,” the principal, the leader of her alma mater, informed the media. “She was sweet, considerate and always eager to support those in need.”

Service arrangements for Beckstrom are in the process of planning.

Judicial Steps and Policy Changes

Law enforcement have accused a 29-year-old suspect with one count of homicide and two counts of attempted murder while armed.

The tragedy caused the administration to pause refugee claims and halt issuing entry permits to owners of travel documents.

Status of the Airman

The airman, a native of the city, enlisted in 2019 and is a graduate of Musselman High, per the news agency.

He is still undergoing care and is “battling to survive”, the state’s governor Patrick Morrisey mentioned on Fox News Channel’s The Sunday Briefing.

The state’s top lawyer Bondi stated on Fox News Sunday that she planned to speak to his relatives.

Memory of the Fallen Soldier

Sarah, from Summersville, graduated from Webster County High in 2023 and joined the military shortly after, working as a law enforcement officer with excellence, according to the West Virginia National Guard.

“She had a lot of kindness and she definitely had bravery,” the governor informed the crowd at the vigil. “Though her life was cut short, she has created a legacy that’s going to last forever.”