Webster County Honors Fallen National Guard Soldier, Sarah Beckstrom
UPPERGLADE, W.Va. – The Webster County High School gymnasium was filled with mourners Saturday evening as the community remembered Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, a 2022 graduate of the school, who died November 27th following an attack in Washington, D.C. Beckstrom, 20, was serving with the West Virginia Army National Guard at the time of her death.
Principal Gabriel Markle, who also taught Beckstrom, described her as a student who possessed “quiet strength, a contagious smile and a positive energy.” He emphasized her dedication to service, both within the school and through her military commitment.
Beckstrom was a member of a Military Police company and had expressed a desire to become an FBI agent, a goal that motivated her to join the National Guard. Attendees at the vigil recalled her as a helpful and proactive individual, always willing to assist others.
Governor Patrick Morrisey, who attended the candlelight vigil, assured the community that justice would be pursued in Beckstrom’s death. “She loved her state, she loved her country and she wanted to serve,” he stated, acknowledging the anger felt by many.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal,29,an Afghan refugee,has been charged with first-degree murder and other offenses in connection with the shooting that claimed Beckstrom’s life. Another National Guard member, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, also from West Virginia, was wounded in the incident and remains hospitalized in critical condition. Beckstrom and Wolfe were reportedly friends and were patrolling near a Metro station close to the White House when the shooting occurred.
The Webster Springs community held three vigils in total to honour Beckstrom.Senator Robbie Morris,R-Randolph,spoke to the profound grief felt throughout the area,noting the vigils were filled with “tears and broken hearts.”
During saturday’s vigil, attendees sang “Amazing Grace” and lit candles, many wearing or displaying blue ribbons as a tribute to Beckstrom. The Junior ROTC members of Webster County High School presented the colors. Liam Versmessen, 17, a fellow student and member of the Junior ROTC, expressed hope in the community’s ability to heal, stating, “It’s good knowing that…we have the resolve to get through this as West Virginians.”
Funeral arrangements for Spc.Beckstrom have not yet been announced.
The West Virginia National guard originally deployed approximately 300 members to Washington, D.C. in August at the request of the Trump administration for “operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful.” Approximately 150 members remain in D.C., having been deployed on a voluntary basis since November 15th.
Following the attack, President Donald Trump announced his intention to “permanently pause migration from all third World Countries,” without specifying which nations would be affected.
