Gov. Patrick Morrisey said flags have been lowered to half-staff for 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed last week while on duty in Washington, D.C.
The governor said ceremonies are not yet planned to honor Beckstrom because public officials want to give deference to her family.
“When we have information about any service or funeral, we will let you know,” Morrisey said in a press conference today at the state Capitol.
“I want to emphasize that the most important thing to me is to ensure that the family’s wishes are kept. As we learn more, we’re happy to pass this along but this is going to be dictated by the family, and I want to show great respect for them.”
Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, who also was shot in Washington, D.C., remains in serious condition but has shown positive signs, Morrisey said.
“We were told that Andrew was asked if he could hear the nurse who asked the question to give a thumbs up, and he did respond. And we were told that he also wiggled his toes. So we take that as a positive sign,” Morrisey said.
The governor said Wolfe’s mother asked, “Would you please get the word out that my son needs prayer,” so the governor passed that request along during the news conference.
Morrisey added, “I can tell you Andrew’s family is going to get all the help we can provide out of West Virginia. Right now, a lot of that is emphasizing the need for prayer.”
Beckstrom and Wolfe were shot the day before Thanksgiving at the corner of 17th and I Streets NW. The suspect was identified as an Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal.
Authorities have said the suspect in the shooting came around a corner, raised his gun and fired at Guardsmen who were gathered at the location near a Metro public transportation stop.
Beckstrom is from Summersville and was assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, West Virginia Army National Guard. She entered service on June 26, 2023.
Wolfe of Martinsburg was assigned to the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing, West Virginia Air National Guard. He entered service on February 5, 2019.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., delivered a Senate Floor speech today about the West Virginia National Guard members who were shot.
On Tuesday, the senator said, Capito plans to introduce a resolution honoring Beckstrom and Wolfe.
“In the days since this horrific attack, our entire state has been praying, grieving and rallying around these heroes, their loved ones and their families,” Capito said from the U.S. Capitol.
She added, “This is a moment for unity, for resolve and for honoring the men and women who serve our country so bravely. It’s a moment to stand against violence of any kind, especially violence directed at those who protect us.”
A portion of Capito’s comments recognized the West Virginia National Guard as a whole.
“This attack has shaken them deeply, as you can imagine,” Capito said.
Gabriel Markle, principal of Webster County High School, spoke of what potential Beckstrom demonstrated. Beckstrom was a graduate of the high school just two years ago.
“Sarah was your ideal student. Graduated with honors,” Markle said on MetroNews Talkline.
“And as a person, Sarah was always happy, had a contagious smile. You couldn’t help, if you had an interaction with her, that you would also have a smile on your face. She made our school a better place with her presence.”