WV National Guardsman Sarah Beckstrom laid to rest after fatal DC shooting, given full military honors

West Virginia Army National Guard Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, was laid to rest on Tuesday with full military honors. This comes after Beckstrom died on Thanksgiving of injuries sustained in a shooting that took place just blocks away from the White House the day prior. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, has been charged with her murder and the shooting of fellow Guardsman Andrew Wolfe, who survived the shooting.

Presiding over the ceremony at West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, West Virginia, Army Chaplain (Maj.) Christopher Bennett said, "As you look across these hills and out onto the rows of headstones, each stone a brick to the foundation of freedom upon which we stand today, I encourage you to remember this. No plots in the West Virginia national cemeteries can be purchased. Each must be earned, and we know Spc. Sarah Beckstrom has earned her place here among us today."

Family members, friends, lawmakers, and officials attended the event, including West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey, Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Jim Justice, and Representatives Carol Miller and Riley Moore, as well as military leaders such as Air Force Gen. Steve Nordhaus, chief of the National Guard Bureau; Army Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs, director of the Army National Guard; and West Virginia National Guard Army Maj. Gen. Jim Seward, adjutant general.

Beckstrom was described by unit members as a "quiet professional who exemplified dedication and always put others above herself. Many recalled her quick smile, infectious laughter and her ability to inspire others," per a press release from the Department of War.

Her family said that Beckstrom was "a gentle soul who loved and lived deeply," an observant person who enjoyed exploring and spending time while stationed in DC viewing museums, as well as a shy, reserved person who opened up once she got to know people. She was a "dog momma to one pup" and lover of animals, with family members saying she was known to carry snacks for squirrels she may encounter. She also loved music, pasta, and playing arcade games, as well as reading.

She graduated from Webster County High School in 2023 with honors and enlisted in the West Virginia National Guard shortly after graduation. She completed basic and advanced training at Missouri’s Fort Leonard Wood that summer. Beckstrom had been enrolled at Glenville State University in Glenville, West Virginia. She had intended to pursue studies related to mental health.

She and other members of the West Virginia National Guard were sent to DC in August of 2025 as part of the DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force. She has been awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, West Virginia Legion of Merit, the DC Distinguished Service Medal and the DC Humanitarian Service Medal.

Bennett said, "There are many understandable responses to Sarah's tragic murder. Anger, grief and confusion are natural and understandable, and God is big enough to handle all of those emotions and more. We can take comfort in knowing that God is just, and that in the end, justice will be served."