CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – President Donald Trump on Thursday evening announced that West Virginia National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom has succumbed to her injuries after being shot by an Afghan national in Washington, D.C. Wednesday.
Beckstrom was one of two West Virginia National Guardsman shot, with Andrew Wolfe being the second. He is currently in critical condition as of Thursday evening.
West Virginia leaders have begun to react following the passing of Beckstrom.
Governor Patrick Morrisey has released the following statement:
“A few moments ago, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom passed away from the injuries sustained during yesterday’s horrific shooting. This is not the result we hoped for, but it is the result we all feared.
Sarah served with courage, extraordinary resolve, and an unwavering sense of duty to her state and to her nation. 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.
Today, we honor her bravery and her sacrifice as we mourn the loss of a young woman who gave everything she had in defense of others. We will forever hold her family, her friends, and her fellow Guardsmen in our prayers as they grieve what no family should ever have to bear.”
Senator Jim Justice has released the following statement:
“I’m absolutely devastated to learn that Sarah Beckstrom passed away today after suffering a mortal wound in yesterday’s terrorist attack in Washington, DC. Cathy and I are heartbroken beyond words. Our prayers are with her family, friends, and fellow guardsmen during an incredibly difficult Thanksgiving Day. We are also lifting up Andrew Wolfe in prayer as he continues his journey to recovery. West Virginians always show up for one another, and today it’s our turn to show up for our service members as they mourn this terrible loss.”
Senator Shelley Moore Capito has released the following statement:
| “I am heartbroken to learn that one of our own, Sarah Beckstrom, has tragically passed away following yesterday’s horrific attack in D.C. This is a devastating loss for her family, her fellow Guardsmen, and for our entire state. West Virginians proudly stand behind our men and women in uniform, and tonight we mourn alongside those who loved and served with Sarah.
“I am continuing to stay in close contact with the West Virginia National Guard and law enforcement as they work to support the second Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, who remains under medical care. Charlie and I are praying for his recovery, and for everyone affected by this senseless violence.
“West Virginia will never forget Sarah’s service, her sacrifice, and the dedication she showed to her state and her country. We will continue to stand firmly with her family and with the West Virginia National Guard community during this incredibly painful time.” |
