Two dedicated members of the West Virginia National Guard are fighting for their lives after being brutally attacked in an ambush-style shooting in Washington, D.C. The incident has sent shockwaves through their home communities, where residents are now organizing prayer vigils and displaying blue ribbons in solidarity.
The Victims: Young Patriots Serving Their Country
Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old from the mountainous town of Summersville, represents the best of West Virginia's youth. Assigned to the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, she began her military service in 2023 and had been stationed in Washington since August as part of President Trump's crime prevention initiative.
Social media profiles reveal a proud young woman who graduated high school with honors and recently celebrated a housewarming party. Her family frequently shares photographs showcasing their immense pride in her military commitment.
U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, aged 24, hails from Martinsburg in the lower Shenandoah Valley. The son of a deputy sheriff, Wolfe demonstrated both athletic talent and early purpose—playing varsity baseball in high school before enlisting during his senior year in 2019.
Friends remember Wolfe as a natural jokester who brought laughter to every situation. "He was always cracking jokes especially when we were playing sports—he's a real jokester," recalled former teammate Nick Reeves. Another friend, Austin Breeden, noted that Wolfe approached military service with genuine excitement, describing him as "one of the nicest people I've ever met."
The Attack: An Unprovoked Ambush in Broad Daylight
The violent assault occurred around 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday near the Farragut West metro station in the heart of Washington, D.C. According to U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, a lone gunman opened fire "without provocation, ambush-style" against the guardsmen.
During a Thursday briefing, Pirro provided chilling details of the attack sequence. The shooter first targeted one guardsman, who fell to the ground, then leaned over to strike the same victim again. The assailant then turned his weapon on the second guardsman, firing multiple rounds.
Community Response: Prayers and Solidarity from West Virginia
Both Beckstrom and Wolfe remain in critical condition, with their families, friends, and communities anxiously awaiting any news of their recovery. "We are praying that they survive, and that the highest charge will not have to be murder in the first degree," Pirro stated during her update.
In West Virginia, the news has triggered an outpouring of support. Jason Wolfe, Andrew's father, made a heartfelt plea: "Please pray for my son. We want prayers."
Reeves expressed the collective disbelief gripping their community: "We're really all in shock and just like in disbelief that this happened to someone we know."
The Webster County Veterans Auxiliary has organized vigils at the memorial wall in Webster Springs, recognizing Beckstrom as one of their own. Their Facebook post, shared over 130 times by Thursday afternoon, stated: "As many of you have heard, one of the National Guard soldiers injured in yesterday's tragic shooting in Washington, D.C., is from right here in Webster Springs. Our hearts are with her, her family, and all who were impacted by this senseless act."
The auxiliary has also encouraged residents to display blue ribbons outside their homes, mailboxes, fences, and porches as a visible symbol of support for "our hometown soldier." Across West Virginia, communities are uniting in hope and prayer for the full recovery of these two brave service members.
