A tragic update has emerged following Wednesday’s shooting close to the White House. Twenty-year-old National Guard service member Sarah Beckstrom, who was critically wounded in the attack, has passed away.
President Donald Trump confirmed the news late Thursday, describing Beckstrom as a “remarkable and deeply respected young woman” whose dedication and character “stood out in every possible way.” He added that “she’s now watching over us,” speaking from Mar-A-Lago. The White House reported that the president has personally reached out to her parents.
Another Guardsman, 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Trump noted, “The other young man is still fighting for his life… we’re hoping for better news soon.” He also briefly referenced the suspect, stating he was in serious condition but declined to comment further.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reacted with heartbreak. “Completely devastated. Please keep Sarah’s family in your prayers. America will honor her bravery — justice will come. And continue praying for Andrew.”
Earlier in the day, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro outlined the charges being prepared against the shooter, which include multiple counts of assault with a deadly weapon and illegal possession of a firearm. She stated that the suspect faces up to 15 years under current charges, with the possibility of upgraded charges depending on the victims’ conditions.
Beckstrom and Wolfe had been sworn into service less than a day before the attack. According to authorities, the 29-year-old suspect opened fire without warning just blocks from the White House, using a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. Fellow Guardsmen quickly responded, subdued the shooter, and ensured he received medical attention under guard.
President Trump has since ordered an additional 500 National Guard members into Washington, calling the act “a senseless and hateful act of violence.”
FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that investigators executed a search warrant at the suspect’s residence and interviewed all individuals found there. He noted that the case is being treated as a terrorism-related investigation. The FBI, CIA, and Department of Defense are reviewing the suspect’s background and connections both in the U.S. and abroad.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe later acknowledged that the suspect had previous involvement with U.S. forces in Afghanistan. He criticized the 2021 evacuation and the process that allowed the individual entry into the United States, saying Americans “deserve far better safeguards.”
In response to the incident, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow said the agency will reassess all Green Card holders originating from what he termed “countries of concern.” This follows earlier travel restrictions placed on several nations earlier this year.