Trump invites the families of two National Guard members who were shot to the White House

President Donald Trump said Sunday that he had invited the family of a National Guard member who was shot and killed last week to the White House, saying he had spoken to her parents and that they were “devastated.”

US Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom died after the shooting on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., while her colleague, US Air Force Staff Sgt., was seriously injured. Andrew Wolfe remained in critical condition.

The president said he discussed a visit to the White House for the parents of the two West Virginia National Guard members.

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“I said, ‘When you’re ready, because this is difficult, come to the White House. We’ll honor Sarah,'” Trump told reporters. “Similarly with Andrew, recovered or not.”

In recent days, local vigils in West Virginia have honored the soldiers, including one Saturday evening at Webster County High School, where Beckstrom attended classes.

“Sarah was the kind of student teachers hoped to have,” said Jarrod Hankins, the school’s principal. “She carried herself with a quiet strength, an infectious smile and a positive energy that lifted people around her.” “She was kind, caring and always willing to help others.”

Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of Trump’s aggressive anti-crime plan that led to the consolidation of the D.C. police force.

A 29-year-old Afghan national faces one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill during the shooting, prompting the Trump administration to halt all asylum decisions and stop issuing visas to people traveling on Afghan passports.

Funeral arrangements have not been finalized for Beckstrom, according to Kathy Petrie, owner of Dodd & Reed Funeral Home in Webster Springs. Petrie said Saturday that the home has been in contact with Beckstrom’s family about services.

The town crowd, seated in bleachers and folding chairs, lit candles as they heard from clergy and Gov. Patrick Morrisey, who said he had visited the Wolfe family earlier in the day.

Wolfe, of Martinsburg, entered the service in February 2019. He graduated from Musselman High School in 2019, according to Berkeley County Schools.

The next day, Morrissey said during an interview on Fox News Channel’s “The Sunday Brief” that he remained hospitalized and “fighting for his life.”

U.S. Attorney Pam Bondi told “Fox News Sunday” that she also plans to meet with Wolf’s family.

Morrissey described it as a difficult time for the state.

He called Beckstrom “Webster County’s favorite daughter” and said he quickly learned of her reputation as a big-hearted person who loved serving others. Beckstrom, of Summersville, graduated in June 2023 and was drafted that month. She served with distinction as a military police officer, according to the West Virginia National Guard.

“She had a lot of kindness, and she definitely had courage,” Morrissey told the crowd during Saturday’s vigil. “Although her life lasted very short, she left a mark that will last forever.”

AP Writer Josh Bock contributed from West Palm Beach, Florida.