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Former President Donald Trump announced on the weekend that he has asked the family of a Guard member fatally shot last week to come to the presidential home.

He added that he spoke to her parents and they were “devastated”.

Background on the Tragic Shooting

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was fatally shot in a shooting on Wednesday in DC.

Her comrade, Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized in serious condition.

Gatherings across the state have occurred in their remembrance.

Presidential Call

The commander-in-chief said he’s discussed a visit to the White House for the families of both soldiers of the state National Guard.

“I said: ‘When you’re ready, because that’s a difficult moment, come to the White House. We’re going to recognize Sarah,” the president addressed reporters. “And likewise with him, recover or not.”

Public Reaction

Mourners gathered over the weekend at a local school in the state to pay respects to Sarah.

Both they had been serving with the West Virginia National Guard as part of the president’s government program to support policing efforts in the capital.

Remembering the Soldier

“Sarah was the individual that teachers desired. She carried herself with quiet strength, a contagious smile and a positive energy that lifted those around her,” Hankins, the leader of Beckstrom’s former high school, stated to the media. “She was kind, compassionate and always ready to help others.”

Memorial details for Sarah are still being arranged.

Judicial Actions and Policy Changes

Officials have charged a 29-year-old suspect with a charge of homicide and two counts of violent assault while armed.

The incident led the administration to pause asylum applications and temporarily stop granting entry permits to possessors of travel documents.

Status of the Airman

The airman, a native of the city, started his military career in 2019 and is a 2019 graduate of Musselman High, as reported by the AP.

He is still undergoing care and is “fighting for his life”, the state’s governor Morrisey said on a news program.

Attorney general Pam Bondi informed the program that she aimed to speak to the family.

Impact of the Fallen Soldier

Sarah, from her hometown, completed her education from Webster County High in June 2023 and began her service not long after, working as a MP with honor, per the West Virginia National Guard.

“She had a lot of compassion and she absolutely had fortitude,” the governor informed the audience at the memorial. “Though her time ended too soon, she has made an impact that’s going to last forever.”