National Guard Member Dies Following Shooting in Washington D.C.
One of two National Guard members shot in an attack in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday has died, President Trump announced. Twenty-year-old Sarah Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries in the hospital, according to the President’s statement.
The second victim, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains hospitalized and is still fighting for his life. Both Beckstrom and Wolfe were members of the West Virginia National Guard and had been deployed to Washington D.C. at the direction of President Trump.The shooting has prompted immediate responses regarding immigration policy and security protocols.
The suspect, identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national, was shot by a guard and is currently hospitalized. Justice Minister Bondi has stated her intention to seek the death penalty for the suspect, characterizing the attack as a terrorist crime – a designation echoed by President Trump.
Following the attack, President Trump announced an immediate halt to all asylum requests from Afghans, building upon an existing entry ban. The suspect reportedly arrived in the United States four years ago after the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan. He had previously worked with the U.S. military in Afghanistan and was admitted to the U.S. under a special program designed to assist Afghan allies.
President Trump has previously criticized the vetting process for Afghans admitted under this program, alleging insufficient background checks. This claim has been disputed by organizations like #AfghanEvac, which assists Afghan migrants in the U.S.
Authorities report the suspect traveled cross-country by car,originating from Washington state and driving to Washington D.C., where he allegedly waited for the guards before opening fire near the White House.The suspect’s motive remains under investigation.
