The shooting of two West Virginia National Guard members — and the subsequent death of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom — has not led any of their colleagues deployed to Washington, D.C., to leave their posts, West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey told CBS News in an interview on Friday.
Morrisey said he has not heard of a single Guard member asking to withdraw from the mission or return home, noting that they remain determined to “complete the mission and serve their state and country.”
Why It Matters
Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, had been deployed to Washington, D.C., since August as part of the federal surge effort in the nation’s capital focused on crime and immigration operations.
Authorities say a suspect, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal of Washington state, allegedly drove across the country before carrying out an “ambush-style” attack on Beckstrom and Wolfe with a .357 Smith & Wesson revolver. He was shot and taken into custody by responding troops, according to U.S. Attorney General of the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro.
In response to the shooting and Beckstrom’s death, the Trump administration ordered a freeze on all immigration requests from Afghan nationals, as well as on visa applications from Afghan passport holders.
Lakanwal entered the United States under the Biden administration’s Operation Allies Welcome, which brought in Afghan nationals who had worked with the U.S. government during its mission in Afghanistan. He later applied for asylum in late 2024, and the Trump administration approved his request earlier this year. Before immigrating, he had served in a CIA-backed Afghan army unit.
The suspect remains hospitalized in serious condition following the attack, Trump said Thursday.
What To Know
Morrisey, speaking with CBS News after Beckstrom’s death, addressed the ongoing D.C. deployment and confirmed that West Virginia Guard members were involved in subduing Lakanwal. He declined to provide further details, citing a pending federal review.
Although he praised the Guard’s resolve and commitment, Morrisey did not directly say whether he would send additional troops to meet Trump’s request for another 500 National Guard personnel.
“Right now, I’m focusing on the families, the guardsmen, and healing,” Morrisey said. “As time evolves, I’ll keep talking with Guard leadership to make the right call.”
“When evildoers come in and commit heinous acts, we can’t back down,” he added. “That’s exactly what they want.”
Morrisey also paid tribute to Beckstrom, saying he met with her parents at the hospital after she died.
“She was loved and respected greatly,” he said. “There’s an energy around her — people lining up to pay respects, showing sympathy, standing by their friend and the Guard.”
He also spoke about Wolfe, echoing the president’s earlier description that the staff sergeant is “fighting for his life.”
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social earlier this week:
“The animal that shot the two National Guardsmen, with both being critically wounded, and now in two separate hospitals, is also severely wounded, but regardless, will pay a very steep price. God bless our Great National Guard, and all of our Military and Law Enforcement. These are truly Great People. I, as President of the United States, and everyone associated with the Office of the Presidency, am with you!”
Former President Barack Obama posted on X:
“Violence has no place in America. Michelle and I are praying for the servicemembers shot in Washington, DC today, and send our love to their families as they enter this holiday season under the most tragic of circumstances.”
State Secretary Marco Rubio also wrote on X:
“My heart is heavy as we learn of the tragic passing of West Virginia National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom. May the Lord receive her into His eternal embrace and grant her family peace and comfort. Continuing to pray for Guardsman Andrew Wolfe.”
What Happens Next?
The Trump administration has announced a review of “security and vetting protocols” at both the State Department and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Lakanwal has been charged with one count of first-degree murder, three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed.
The investigation into Lakanwal and his motives remains ongoing.
