President Donald Trump has announced that National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, 20, has died after the Wednesday shooting in Washington, D. C. The other guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, 24, is still being treated at the hospital.
Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Andrew Wolfe, 24, were gunned down in Washington, D.C, on Wednesday. The alleged gunman is Afghan soldier Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29. DC US Attorney Jeanine Pirro said she believed both Beckstrom and Wolfe were sworn in less than 24 hours before they were shot on the street.”
President Trump made the announcement on Thursday night, describing 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 said.
National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom dies
Her death was later confirmed by the District of Columbia National Guard Public Affairs Office.
FBI Director Kash Patel wrote 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.”
Moreover, War Secretary Pete Hegseth called Beckstrom “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 said Sarah Beckstrom was a patriot and that her sacrifice “will never be forgotten.”
“Lord, grant Sarah’s family strength, healing, and comfort,” Bongino wrote in a post on X. “She led a life of patriotism, service and sacrifice, and we will not rest until we bring the hand of justice to her attacker,” he continued. “Her sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
Bongino added: “God bless America, and all of those patriots and heroes who defend Her.”
Attorney General Bondi seeking death penalty for suspect
Attorney General Bondi told Fox News on Thursday that they will seek the death penalty against the suspect. She called him a “monster who should not have been in our country”.
Jeanine Pirro said the gunman was armed with a .357 Smith and Wesson revolver. He allegedly opened fire on Wolfe and Beckstrom “without provocation, ambush style.”
“One guardsmen is struck, goes down, and then the shooter leans over and strikes the guardsman again. Another guardsmen is struck several times,” she said. “Fellow guardsmen who were there responded immediately, engaging the suspect, neutralizing the threat, and subduing him at the scene.”
Rest in peace, Sarah Beckstrom. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
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