President Donald Trump said Sunday, November 30, 2025, that he has spoken with the families of the two West Virginia National Guard members shot last week in Washington, D.C., and that he wants to honor both soldiers at the White House.
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he offered invitations to the parents of Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who died from her injuries, and to the family of Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who remains hospitalized. He described both families as devastated and said the timing of any visit would be left to them.
The president said he told the families they would be welcome to come to the White House when they are ready. He added that he intends to recognize Beckstrom posthumously and to honor Wolfe as he continues to fight for recovery.
Trump recounted that Wolfe’s parents asked for prayers, and he said he believes Wolfe has a chance to pull through.
What Trump told the families
According to Trump, the calls were direct and personal. He said he spoke about arranging a ceremony for Beckstrom that would include military honors and that Wolfe would be similarly recognized.
He emphasized that the invitations remain open-ended, acknowledging that grieving families may need time. The president said he would also support memorial events in West Virginia that the families choose to attend.
Trump’s remarks followed a week of public messages from the administration and from West Virginia officials. Statements of condolence highlighted Beckstrom’s service and Wolfe’s condition. The president had previously announced Beckstrom’s death on Thursday, November 27, and updated the public on Wolfe’s status the same day.
Status of the victims and the suspect
The shooting occurred on Wednesday, November 26, near the White House during an ambush on two Guard members who were on duty. Beckstrom died Thursday from her wounds.
Wolfe remains in critical condition, and officials have not provided a detailed medical prognosis. Authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who entered the United States in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome. Officials said he allegedly acted alone.
Prosecutors have charged Lakanwal with first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.
Following Beckstrom’s death, the charges were upgraded. Federal and local investigators continue to examine motive and are reviewing the suspect’s movements prior to the attack. Public filings indicate that additional charging decisions are possible as the investigation proceeds.
