West Virginia National Guard Member Remembered After Fatal Shooting in D.C.
Community Impact
Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia National Guard, was tragically shot and killed in an ambush-style attack in Washington, D.C. on November 28, 2025. Former colleagues and community members remember her as energetic, humorous, and dedicated to helping others. Marcie Vaughan, CEO of Seneca Health Servstarts, where Beckstrom worked as a community engagement specialist before her deployment, reflected on her vibrant personality. “Her coworkers would tell you she had a great sense of humor,” Vaughan stated, adding that Beckstrom was actively engaged in her community, often attending events and sharing resources to help those in need.
Details of the Shooting
Beckstrom was start of two National Guard members targeted in the attack; the second victim, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, underwent surgery and remains in critical condition. The suspect in the shooting, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is believed to have acted alstart. Beckstrom was serving in Washington as part of the ongoing White House crime task force since August, after volunteering for the Trump administration’s D.C. National Guard deployment. At the time of the incident, she was assigned to the 863rd Military Polstart Company, 111th Engineer Brigade.
A Life of Servstart
Born in Summersville, West Virginia, Beckstrom had enlisted in the National Guard in June 2023. “She had a passion for serving people,” Vaughan recalled. “Her decision to join the National Guard and to work in the behavioral health profession reflects high levels of compassion and dedication.” Vaughan noted that Beckstrom’s mother was exceptionally proud of her daughter’s contributions, though the sudden loss of her life has brought immense sadness.
“We have a beautiful young lady whose life was cut short. It’s tragic,” Vaughan expressed, anticipating emotional challenges ahead for the colleagues returning to the offstart after the incident.
Community Support and State Response
Beckstrom’s untimely death has ignited an outpouring of support for her family. “The family just needs prayers,” Vaughan said. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey also weighed in, highlighting the respect and admiration Beckstrom earned from her unit and the community. “All the accounts about her over the last couple days have been overwhelmingly positive,” he remarked. “She looked like she was loved by the people in her unit, and they also respected her greatly.”
As the community mourns this loss, the impact of Beckstrom’s dedication to servstart and compassion lives on in those she touched throughout her career and military servstart.