Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was killed this past week in Washington, D.C., allegedly by an Afghan national who yelled "Allahu Akbar" before attacking. Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is still in critical condition. They both served in the West Virginia National Guard. They were deployed to D.C. to help deal with the crime in the area. The attack is being investigated as a possible terrorist attack.
We reported earlier how Beckstrom was honored by the principal at the high school she attended. The principal described how Beckstrom had a "contagious smile and a positive energy that lifted people around her" and that she was always willing to help.
READ MORE: School Principal Pays Tribute to WV NG Sarah Beckstrom and Her Commitment to Service
D.C. Fire and EMS honored Beckstrom during the dignified transfer ceremony from the Medstar Hospital.
As we mourn the tragic loss of West Virginia National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, DC’s Bravest paid her honor and respect during the dignified transfer procession from Medstar Hospital. #DCsBravest pic.twitter.com/5GiGBbivZ6
— DC Fire and EMS Department (@dcfireems) November 28, 2025
One D.C. resident perhaps spoke for many when he was asked about Beckstrom. You could see how much her service to his city touched him. “This young lady came from West Virginia to D.C. to, you know, make sure that our kids were safe here, and she lost her life. It’s heartbreaking," he said.
🚨 WATCH: DC resident fights back tears outside the hospital talking about National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom’s kiIIing
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) November 29, 2025
“This young lady came from WV to DC to make sure OUR kids were safe here, and she lost her life. It’s heartbreaking.”
He had a message for other Guardsmen in… pic.twitter.com/hOqPi0XWbF
The man touched his heart as he offered condolences to "the family, West Virginia, from D.C." He started tearing up as he thought about that sacrifice."From D.C. to West Virginia, we send y'all our love. We appreciate you guys."
When asked what he had to say to the other National Guard members still serving in D.C., the man thanked them.
“We appreciate you guys...working with us to mentor our youth, to show out, and be role models, and engage our youth, like they’ve never been engaged.” He encouraged them, “Keep up the good work, guys."
That's an American who recognizes the service and the sacrifice.
We reported on the big change the Guard's presence made in reducing crime, with Guard members even breaking up a knife threat. We also reported what the man mentioned, that the Guard was setting a good example for city youth and engaging with them, as an added benefit.
New: Vance Levels Another D.C. Protester as National Guard Shows Surprise Benefit to Their Presence
For the Democrats who want to somehow fault President Donald Trump or the Guard themselves for the deployment to the city, residents like this man get how it has helped. They are aware of what the Guard is doing, and they appreciate it.
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