West Virginia Mourns Fallen National Guard Member, Honors Injured Soldier

Sat Nov 29 2025 00:39:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Communities across West Virginia honor Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who died in a shooting in Washington, D.C., and Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who remains hospitalized. Governor Morrisey calls for state-wide moments of silence.

West Virginia communities are reeling from the loss of Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, who was fatally shot while serving in Washington, D.C., as part of a public safety initiative. Her fellow Guard member, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, is currently in critical condition in a local hospital. Governor Patrick Morrisey has directed that flags be flown at half-staff in her honor and has called for a moment of silence across the state.

West Virginia communities and officials are honoring two members of the state’s National Guard who were shot in Washington, D.C., this week, praising their dedication to serving their country. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, tragically lost her life, while Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized after a shooting incident that occurred on Wednesday afternoon.

Governor Patrick Morrisey reported during a recent statement that Wolfe is in “very critical condition.” Both service members had been deployed to D.C. as part of an initiative aimed at bolstering public safety in the nation’s capital.

To commemorate Beckstrom’s sacrifice, Morrisey issued a proclamation requesting a statewide moment of silence or prayer on Friday afternoon. Additionally, flags were ordered to be flown at half-staff in recognition of Beckstrom’s passing. “These two West Virginia heroes were serving our country and protecting our nation’s capital when they were maliciously attacked,” Morrisey stated. “Their courage and commitment to duty represent the very best of our state.”

A community vigil on Thanksgiving night in Webster Springs brought several dozen residents together to honor the fallen soldier just hours after the news of Beckstrom’s death emerged.

Beckstrom, who graduated with honors from Webster County High School in June 2023, joined the National Guard about four weeks later and was a military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company. She dedicated her service to Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful and was remembered for her leadership and passion.

Beckstrom's journey saw her become a community engagement specialist for teens and young adults, displaying her commitment to helping others even outside her military role. Wolf, also celebrated in his contributions, has been working as a lineman while serving in the National Guard.

The affected communities and officials continue to express their gratitude for the service of Beckstrom and Wolfe alongside their hopes for Wolfe’s recovery.