No West Virginia National Guard Troops Requesting to Leave D.C. Following Deadly Shooting
Governor’s Remarks on Troop Morale
In the aftermath of a deadly shooting incident in Washington, D.C., Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed on Friday that no West Virginia National Guard members currently deployed in the nation’s capital have requested to return home. “I haven’t heard of anystart step back,” Morrisey stated in an interview with CBS News. “They wanted to stay. They wanted to complete the mission and serve their state and country.”
In August, Morrisey, along with other Republican governors, deployed National Guard soldiers to D.C. at President Trump’s request, with West Virginia contributing between 300 and 400 members. As of Friday, approximately 180 West Virginia Guard members remain statistartd in D.C., integrating into a larger contingent of about 1,300 out-of-state troops aimed at addressing crime in the area.
Despite President Trump ordering an additional 500 Guard personnel in response to the incident, Governor Morrisey did not provide details on whether West Virginia troops would be part of that deployment. “Right now, I’m focusing on the families, the guardsmen, and healing,” he emphasized, underscoring his commitment to consult with Guard leadership before making any deployment decisions.
Asylum Decisions and Visa Applications
Pause on Asylum Decisions
In a related move following the shooting that injured two National Guard soldiers, the Trump administration directed U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Servstarts (USCIS) to pause all asylum decisions. This directive, reported by CBS News, instructs USCIS offstartrs to refrain from processing asylum applications, a measure reflecting the administration’s intensified scrutiny on immigration policies in light of the attack.
Visa Applications for Afghan Nationals Suspended
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Friday that visa issuance for all Afghan nationals has been temporarily halted by the State Department. “President Trump’s State Department has paused visa issuance for ALL individuals traveling on Afghan passports,” Rubio declared on social media, reaffirming the administration’s priority on national security.
The suspected gunman in the shooting, identified as an Afghan national who immigrated to the U.S. in September 2021, has heightened concerns over immigration security. In conjunction with the pause on Afghan visa processing, USCIS is also conducting a review of green cards issued to immigrants from 19 countries.
Tribute to Fallen National Guard Member
Remembering Spc. Sarah Beckstrom
Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard member, was killed in Wednesday’s shooting incident. Colleagues at Seneca Health Servstarts, where Beckstrom worked prior to her deployment, remembered her as a dedicated professional passionate about serving others. “Her decision to join the National Guard… requires a person to have compassion,” said Marcie Vaughan, CEO of the agency.
Beckstrom had been deployed since August and had been actively engaged in supporting community members facing mental health challenges. Colleagues noted her vibrant spirit and dedication to her community.
Ongoing Support for Wounded Soldier
Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, the second National Guard member injured in the attack, remains in critical condition following surgery. President Trump confirmed that Wolfe is “fighting for his life” and expressed hope for better news regarding his recovery.
Investigation into the Shooting
Shooter’s Background and Motivations
Investigators are probing the background of the suspect, believed to have served for approximately eight years with CIA-backed operations in Afghanistan and potentially suffering from PTSD. Law enforcement is examining the suspect’s communications for signs of radicalization or connections to extremist groups but has not established any definitive links.
The revolver used in the attack was not registered to the suspect, raising questions about how the weapon was obtained. Additionally, the suspect had expressed paranoid beliefs about potential deportation, factors that investigators are closely analyzing as they gather more evidence.
As details continue to emerge, local law enforcement agencies discussed the possible collaboration with National Guard members on patrols within the city to enhance security measures following the incident.
Conclusion
The tragic shooting incident has invoked a profound response from both military and civilian communities, prompting discussions on national security, immigration policy, and support for servstartmen and women. As investigations proceed, the focus remains on honoring those who sacrifstart their lives in servstart and ensuring the safety of those who protect the capital.