20-year-old National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom fatally shot near the White House on Thanksgiving, officials confirm
Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old U.S. National Guard member from West Virginia, died in a shooting near the White House on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. President Donald Trump confirmed her death, calling her a “magnificent person.” Fellow guardsman Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition, as authorities continue investigating the incident.
Key Points:
- Sarah Beckstrom, 20, dies in White House shooting; fellow guard Andrew Wolfe critically injured.
- Beckstrom was a member of the 863rd Military Police Company, West Virginia Army National Guard.
- Incident occurred on Thanksgiving, November 26, 2025, during D.C. deployment.
- President Trump, West Virginia Governor, and officials express condolences.
- Investigation ongoing; public safety measures continue with thousands of National Guard troops in D.C.
Washington, D.C. (Star Struck Times) — A tragic shooting near the White House in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, claimed the life of Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old U.S. National Guard member. Another guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, was critically injured in the incident and remains hospitalized. The shooting shocked the nation, occurring during the Thanksgiving holiday when Beckstrom had volunteered for duty in the nation’s capital.
President Donald Trump confirmed Beckstrom’s death on Thursday, expressing sorrow for the family. “Sarah Beckstrom of West Virginia, one of the guardsmen that we’re talking about, highly respected, young, magnificent person… She’s just passed away. She’s no longer with us,” Trump said in his first live remarks after the tragedy. He also spoke personally with Beckstrom’s parents to offer condolences.
Born and raised in Summersville, West Virginia, Sarah Beckstrom graduated from Webster County High School in 2023 before joining the West Virginia Army National Guard in June of the same year. Assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, she quickly became known for her dedication and passion for law enforcement, dreaming of a future career with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
According to the New York Times and BBC reports, Beckstrom voluntarily deployed to Washington, D.C., during the Thanksgiving holiday, demonstrating an extraordinary sense of duty. Her short but impactful military career included multiple voluntary shifts, especially during holidays, highlighting her commitment to serving others.
“Her loss is felt profoundly across our One Guard Family and throughout the Mountain State,” said representatives of the West Virginia National Guard. Attorney General Jim Justice called her passing “absolutely devastating,” adding, “Our prayers are with her family, friends, and fellow guardsmen during an incredibly difficult Thanksgiving Day.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey also paid tribute, stating, “Beckstrom served with courage, extraordinary resolve, and an unwavering sense of duty to her state and to her nation. Today, we honor her bravery and her sacrifice as we mourn the loss of a young woman who gave everything she had in defense of others.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt further commented, “May God bless Sarah’s family during this unimaginably difficult time,” while highlighting that more than 2,000 troops have been deployed in D.C. since August to ensure public safety amid rising concerns over crime. Beckstrom and Wolfe were part of this high-visibility patrol detail near the White House.
Fans and citizens have expressed shock and grief online, with one social media user writing, “Can’t believe someone so young and dedicated was taken from us like this. Rest in peace, Sarah.” Another tweeted, “We are praying for Andrew Wolfe’s recovery and honoring Sarah Beckstrom’s bravery.”
Authorities continue their investigation into the shooting. No further details about the suspect or motive have been released, but law enforcement emphasizes that the incident is being treated with the utmost urgency.
Sarah Beckstrom’s sacrifice has reignited conversations on the dangers faced by National Guard members deployed to protect the nation’s capital and highlighted the human cost behind such high-security operations. As the investigation unfolds, her family, friends, and fellow soldiers continue to mourn, remembering a young woman committed to duty, service, and the safety of others.
FAQs
Q: Who was Sarah Beckstrom?
A: Sarah Beckstrom was a 20-year-old U.S. National Guard member from Summersville, West Virginia, who died in a shooting near the White House on November 26, 2025.
Q: How did Sarah Beckstrom die?
A: Beckstrom was fatally shot during a security patrol in Washington, D.C., while protecting the nation’s capital.
Q: Is the other National Guard member okay?
A: Andrew Wolfe was injured in the same incident and is still recovering in critical condition.
Q: Did President Trump comment?
A: Yes, he offered condolences and spoke with Beckstrom’s parents, calling her a “magnificent person.”
Q: What was her background?
A: Beckstrom graduated from Webster County High School in 2023, joined the West Virginia National Guard, and aspired to join the FBI.
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