President Donald Trump has invited the families of two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot in Washington DC to the White House. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was killed in the attack, while Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in a critical condition. Trump said he spoke to Beckstrom's parents and described them as 'devastated'.
The shooting occurred on Wednesday in the US capital. Beckstrom, from Summersville, and Wolfe, from Martinsburg, were serving as part of a federal initiative to support policing efforts in Washington. Vigils have been held across West Virginia to honour the two service members. The principal of Beckstrom's former high school remembered her as a student with 'quiet strength' and a 'contagious smile'.
A 29-year-old Afghan national has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill. The incident prompted the Trump administration to suspend asylum processing and temporarily stop issuing visas to holders of Afghan passports. Attorney General Pam Bondi said she also intended to meet with Wolfe's family.
Wolfe, who graduated from Musselman High School in 2019, enlisted in February 2019 and is now 'fighting for his life', according to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey. The governor spoke at a vigil for Beckstrom, saying: 'Though her life lasted far too short, she has left a mark that’s going to last forever.' Trump said he planned to honour both service members at the White House.
