A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken Washington, DC, after 20 year old National Guard specialist Sarah Beckstrom died from injuries sustained in a shooting near the White House. What began as a standard holiday security assignment quickly turned into a devastating loss for her unit, her home state and her family.
Authorities say Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia Army National Guard, had been stationed in the nation’s capital as part of an ongoing mission supporting law enforcement. She was known for stepping up whenever needed, and those close to her shared that she volunteered to work the holiday period so others with families could be home.
Beckstrom and another Guardsman were patrolling the area near Farragut West Metro Station when a gunman approached and opened fire without warning. The attack left Beckstrom fatally wounded. The second Guardsman remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Other soldiers on the scene returned fire and detained the suspect, bringing the immediate threat to an end. Officials later confirmed the shooter was an Afghan national who had traveled across the country before the attack. Investigators are still working to determine a motive.
Beckstrom’s unit, state leaders and military officials have all expressed deep sorrow over the loss of such a young and dedicated service member. Her death has reignited concerns about security in the capital and the safety of uniformed personnel working public assignments.
