Newsman: National Guard member shot in DC attack has died. President Donald Trump announced that 20-year-old Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom has died from her injuries in the shooting just blocks from the White House.
Trump made the announcement as he made calls to the U.S. military on Thanksgiving.
U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, one of two West Virginia National Guard members wounded in a “targeted shooting” near the White House on Wednesday, has died, President Donald Trump said Thursday.
Beckstrom, 20, was a “highly respected, young, magnificent person,” Trump said. “She’s just passed away. She’s no longer with us. She’s looking down at us right now. Her parents are with her. It’s just happened.”
“The other young man is fighting for his life,” Trump said. “He’s in very bad shape. He’s fighting for his life.”
The wounded National Guard member, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, the top federal prosecutor for the nation’s capital, posted a statement on social media following Trump’s announcement.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the family of 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom of the National Guard — a hero who volunteered to serve DC on Thanksgiving for people she never met and gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Pirro said in the post. “May she rest in peace. It is now time to avenge her death and secure justice.”
Earlier Thursday, federal officials revealed more details about the attack and the suspected shooter.
Witnesses recount shooting of 2 National Guard members near White House. The shooting took place around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday near the Farragut West Metro station.
Pirro said the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, drove from Washington state to target the guard members.
She said the suspect, an Afghan national, ambushed the Guard members, opening fire with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver.
“One Guardsman is struck, goes down, and then the shooter leans over and strikes the Guardsman again. Another Guardsman is struck several times,” she said.
Other National Guard members quickly responded and helped subdue the suspected shooter after he was shot by a Guard member, she said.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey went to D.C. Wednesday night and visited the Guard members in the hospital overnight, according to his office.
“I’m asking every West Virginian to pray for our two Guardsmen as their families, friends, and neighbors struggle with this unspeakable tragedy,” Morrisey said in a statement.
The governor also met with the president to discuss the investigation.
“These facts demand a comprehensive investigation so we can bring those responsible to justice. We will continue working closely with federal authorities to get clear answers,” Morrisey said.
