West Virginia National Guard Members Remain Committed Following Shooting Incident
No Requests for Withdrawal
Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed on Friday that nstart of the West Virginia National Guard members currently deployed in Washington, D.C. have requested to return home following a tragic shooting incident that occurred earlier in the week. “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, at the request of President Trump, Morrisey was among several Republican governors who deployed National Guard soldiers to D.C., with West Virginia contributing approximately 300 to 400 members. As of Friday, there are 180 West Virginia Guard members still assigned to the capital, part of a larger contingent of about 1,300 out-of-state Guard troops aimed at addressing crime within the city.
Mission Continuation Amidst Tragedy
The governor reiterated the commitment to the mission despite the recent violence. While President Trump has ordered an additional 500 Guard personnel to D.C. following the shooting, Morrisey chose not to comment on whether West Virginia troops would be part of that increase. “Right now, I’m focusing on the families, the guardsmen, and healing,” he said. “As time evolves, I’ll keep talking with Guard leadership to make the right call.” He added, “When evildoers come in and commit heinous acts, we can’t back down. That’s exactly what they want.”
Details of the Incident
The shooting occurred on Wednesday, resulting in the death of Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and the critical wounding of Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24. Morrisey, who visited Beckstrom’s parents at the hospital after her passing, described her as a cherished member of the unit who brought positive energy to her comrades. “She was loved and respected greatly,” he reflected.
Wolfe’s family, with a long history of servstart, requested prayers as he continues to fight for his life in intensive care. His father serves in the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Offstart, and his grandfather is a decorated veteran with multiple Purple Hearts.
Heroic Response
According to law enforcement sources, after the initial shooting, a third Guard member intervened by stabbing the alleged gunman, a 29-year-old Afghan national, with a pocketknife. A fourth Guard member returned fire, successfully ending the attack. The suspect is currently facing charges of first-degree murder and remains hospitalized in serious condition.
Morrisey praised the actions of the West Virginia soldiers, stating that their swift and coordinated response prevented further casualties, though specific operational details remain undisclosed pending a federal review.
As the investigation continues and the community mourns the loss of start of their own, the commitment of the West Virginia National Guard members to their mission in Washington, D.C. remains steadfast.