President Donald Trump announced that Sarah Beckstrom, who was 20 years old, died after the shooting that occurred on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. The other guardsman involved, Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, is currently receiving medical care at the hospital.
On Wednesday, both Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot in Washington, D.C. The suspected shooter is identified as Afghan soldier Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29. DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro mentioned that she believed both Beckstrom and Wolfe had been sworn in less than a day before the shooting took place on the street.
President Trump shared the news on Thursday night, referring to Beckstrom as a “highly respected, young, magnificent person” who was “savagely attacked.”
“She’s just passed away. She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her. It’s just happened,” Trump stated.
The District of Columbia National Guard Public Affairs Office later confirmed her death.
FBI Director Kash Patel expressed on X that 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.”
Additionally, War Secretary Pete Hegseth referred to Beckstrom as “an American hero.”
“An American hero, at home with the LORD,” Hegseth wrote. “RIP, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom. May our nation kneel in prayer for her family.
FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino stated that Sarah Beckstrom was a true patriot and that her sacrifice “will never be forgotten.”
“Lord, please give Sarah’s family strength, healing, and comfort,” Bongino expressed in a post on X. “She lived a life filled with patriotism, service, and sacrifice, and we won’t stop until we bring justice to her attacker,” he added. “Her sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Bongino also mentioned: “God bless America, and all the patriots and heroes who protect Her.”
Attorney General Bondi is pursuing the death penalty for the suspect.
On Thursday, Attorney General Bondi informed Fox News that they will seek the death penalty for the suspect. She described him as a “monster who should not have been in our country.”
Jeanine Pirro reported that the gunman was armed with a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver. He reportedly opened fire on Wolfe and Beckstrom “without provocation, ambush style.”
“One guardsman was hit, fell down, and then the shooter leaned over and hit the guardsman again. Another guardsman was hit multiple times,” she explained. “Other guardsmen who were present reacted quickly, engaging the suspect, neutralizing the threat, and subduing him at the scene.”
Rest in peace, Sarah Beckstrom. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
