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President Donald Trump announced on the weekend that he has invited the family of a National Guard member tragically killed last week to attend the executive mansion.

He mentioned that he contacted her parents and they were “devastated”.

Background on the Heartbreaking Shooting

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, twenty years old, was fatally shot in a attack on Wednesday in DC.

Her fellow service member, Staff Sgt Andrew Wolfe, 24, is still in the hospital in grave state.

Memorials across West Virginia have been held in their memory.

White House Call

The president explained he’s discussed a meeting at the presidential residence for the loved ones of both individuals of the West Virginia National Guard.

“I told them: ‘When you’re ready, because that’s a tough thing, visit the White House. We’re going to recognize Sarah,” Trump told the press. “And similarly with him, recover or not.”

Community Reaction

Attendees assembled over the weekend at Webster County high school in West Virginia to honor Sarah.

Both the soldiers had been fulfilling duties with the state guard as part of the president’s federal initiative to assist policing efforts in DC.

Remembering the Soldier

“She was the type of pupil that educators wished for. She behaved with quiet strength, a contagious smile and a optimistic attitude that encouraged people around her,” the principal, the leader of her previous school, told the Associated Press. “She was caring, considerate and always eager to help others.”

Service details for Sarah are in the process of planning.

Judicial Steps and Policy Changes

Law enforcement have accused a 29-year-old individual from Afghanistan with one count of first-degree murder and charges of violent assault while armed.

The event prompted the Trump administration to suspend asylum processing and temporarily stop providing visas to holders of travel documents.

Condition of Andrew Wolfe

Andrew Wolfe, a resident of the city, started his military career in early 2019 and is a graduate of his local high school, as reported by the Associated Press.

He is still undergoing care and is “fighting for his life”, West Virginia governor Morrisey said on television.

Attorney general Pam Bondi stated on a news show that she aimed to meet with the family.

Memory of Sarah Beckstrom

Beckstrom, from Summersville, graduated from Webster County high school in June 2023 and began her service not long after, serving as a law enforcement officer with excellence, as stated by the state guard.

“She had a lot of kindness and she certainly had fortitude,” he addressed the crowd at the vigil. “Though her life ended too soon, she has left a mark that’s going to last forever.”