Community in Mourning After Tragic Shooting
A sombre mood fell over Webster County High School in West Virginia this weekend as mourners gathered to remember U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old National Guard member tragically killed in a shooting in Washington, D.C. last week. The vigil, held on Saturday evening, painted a picture of a young woman remembered for her caring nature and positive spirit.
Tributes to a 'Caring' Soldier
Jarrod Hankins, the principal of Webster County High School, where Beckstrom was a former student, led the tributes. He described her as the kind of student teachers hope for, possessing a quiet strength and a contagious smile. "She was sweet, caring and always willing to help others," Hankins told the assembled crowd, which included Governor Patrick Morrisey.
Beckstrom, from Summersville, had graduated in June 2023 and enlisted in the National Guard that same month. She served with distinction as a military police officer. Governor Morrisey, calling her a "favorite daughter of Webster County," noted her reputation for having a big heart and a love for serving others. "She had a lot of kindness and she certainly had courage," Morrisey said. "Though her life lasted far too short, she has left a mark that’s going to last forever."
Details of the Attack and Ongoing Fallout
The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday, 26 November 2025. Beckstrom died from her injuries, while her colleague, U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, was seriously injured and remained in critical condition. The soldiers were deployed in Washington, D.C., as part of an operation federalising the city's police force.
A 29-year-old Afghan national now faces serious charges, including one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. This shooting has prompted significant policy reactions, with the Trump administration halting all asylum decisions and pausing visas for those travelling on Afghan passports.
Meanwhile, the community continues to rally. Governor Morrisey revealed he had visited Wolfe's family, describing the Martinsburg airman as "fighting for his life." Funeral arrangements for Spc. Beckstrom were still being finalised with the Dodd & Reed Funeral Home in Webster Springs, according to owner Cathy Pettry.
