National Guard Soldier Dies Following Shooting Near White House; Security Increased
WASHINGTON D.C. – A National Guard soldier died yesterday following a shooting that occurred near the White House. President Donald Trump announced the death of Sarah Beckstrom,of west Virginia,who began her service in June 2023. “Sarah Beckstrom, from West Virginia, a very respected, young and grand person, who began her service in June 2023, remarkable in every way, has just left us. She is no longer with us,” President Trump stated in a televised address.
Another National Guard soldier remains in critical condition, “fighting for his life,” according to President Trump. “He is in a very serious condition. He is fighting for his life, and we hope to receive better news about him.”
the shooter, who is seriously injured, will “pay a very high price” for his actions, President Trump declared in a post on the truth Social network: “The animal that shot the two members of the National Guard, both seriously injured and now in two different hospitals, is also seriously injured, but irrespective, it will pay a very high price.”
Vice President JD Vance has also responded to the incident.
in response to the shooting, which occurred just steps from the White house, the Pentagon announced a reinforcement of security in the nation’s capital. Head of the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, stated that 500 additional National Guard troops will be deployed to Washington D.C. “This happened just steps from the White House and will not be tolerated. That’s why President Trump has asked me – and I will ask the Secretary of the Army and the National Guard – to add 500 more troops, National Guard members, to Washington,” Hegseth said.
National Guard soldiers have been stationed in Washington D.C. as August, initially deployed by President trump to conduct street patrols as part of policies addressing immigration and crime.
