The recent tragic event near the White House has deeply affected the nation. On that fateful Wednesday, a shocking incident unfolded, leaving two young victims—20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe—seriously injured in what is now being scrutinized as a potential act of terrorism by the FBI.

President Donald Trump delivered the sorrowful news on Thursday evening that young Sarah Beckstrom did not survive.

A Sudden Attack

The calm of a Wednesday afternoon was shattered near the White House when gunfire broke out close to the Farragut metro station in the heart of Washington, D.C. Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe, both serving as National Guardsmen, found themselves in the line of fire while on duty.

At approximately 2 p.m., the tranquil atmosphere was pierced by the sound of shots from a .357 Magnum revolver. Sarah Beckstrom sustained critical injuries from bullets to her head and chest. It was reported that Rahmanullah Lakanwal, aged 29, was responsible for opening fire.

Meanwhile, Andrew Wolfe was also hit using Beckstrom’s own gun. In the ensuing chaos, a brave fellow Guardsman managed to confront the attacker using only a pocket knife until a fourth service member intervened, shooting the assailant in the buttocks and leg to end the threat.

At a press conference held on Thursday, Jeanine Pirro, D.C.’s U.S. Attorney, expressed the solemn fact that both Guardsmen had just begun their service, being officially sworn in less than a day before the tragic incident.

Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe were both expedited to the hospital in critical conditions. Sarah’s father, Gary Beckstrom, conveyed to The New York Times the heartbreaking reality that his daughter’s injuries were beyond recovery, describing her wound as mortal.

During a Thanksgiving call to U.S. troops, President Trump informed the service members of Beckstrom’s passing, while Wolfe continued to battle for his life in the hospital.

With sorrow, Trump stated, “Sarah has just passed away. She’s no longer among us. Her parents are with her in this heartbreak.”

Remembering Sarah

The president went on to praise Beckstrom as “an exceptional person, remarkable in every way.”

Questions arose regarding the suspected shooter, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who had reportedly been involved with a CIA-backed military unit in Afghanistan before relocating to the United States, as per information from the Associated Press.

Upon being questioned about his potential attendance at Sarah Beckstrom’s funeral, President Trump responded, “It’s something I could certainly consider.” His remarks quickly turned reflective on his electoral success, noting, “I love West Virginia, and I won West Virginia by one of the biggest margins of any president anywhere.”

Continuing, he said, “These are great people… but I haven’t given it any thought,” leaving unclear if he would attend the funeral.

Reports indicate that the president’s deviation into discussing political achievements was met with visible discomfort by some present in the room, especially journalists, as reported by The Mirror.

Meanwhile, in Sarah Beckstrom’s hometown of Webster Springs, West Virginia, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post hosted prayer vigils in honor of the fallen soldier.

In a heartening statement, they shared, “Our hearts are absolutely broken to inform that Sarah has passed away due to the injuries from the D.C. attack.

There aren’t words grand enough to express this loss. We will continue holding community vigils to honor her memory, uplift her family, and pray for her fellow service member still fighting injury.”

The community has rallied together, donning blue ribbons in tribute to Beckstrom’s admirable service and spirit.

At the time of writing, arrangements for Sarah Beckstrom’s funeral service remain to be announced.