National Guard Members Receive Purple Hearts for DC Ambush Injuries
In a solemn ceremony during his State of the Union address, US President Donald Trump awarded the Purple Heart to two National Guard members who were victims of a violent ambush near the White House in Washington, DC. The recipients were Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who survived critical injuries, and Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who was killed in the attack.
Ceremony Honors Courage and Sacrifice
Andrew Wolfe, accompanied by his mother, attended the address in the House Chamber, where President Trump personally pinned the Purple Heart to his lapel. Across the aisle, the family of Sarah Beckstrom was presented with a posthumous Purple Heart on her behalf. This recognition follows an announcement by Pentagon officials in early February that both service members would receive the award, as reported by ABC News.
The tragic incident occurred in November of last year, when Wolfe, 24, and Beckstrom, 20, both serving with the West Virginia National Guard, were on patrol near Farragut Square in Washington, DC. They were ambushed, resulting in Beckstrom's death and Wolfe sustaining life-threatening injuries. An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was also injured in the attack, has been arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. He pleaded not guilty to federal charges earlier this month and remains in custody.
President Trump's Tribute to the Fallen and Wounded
During his speech, President Trump paid heartfelt tribute to both service members. "With God's help, Andrew has battled back from the edge of death," he said, acknowledging Wolfe's recovery. Of Beckstrom, he noted, "After a four-month deployment, she voluntarily extended her service and her rank was going to be lifted. She was doing so well, they were so proud of her. But the very next day, she was on patrol near the White House when she was ambushed and shot in the head by a terrorist monster from Afghanistan. Shouldn't have been in our country. And all because she wore the uniform of our nation, she was shot."
Authorities revealed that Lakanwal, 29, drove from his home in Washington state to carry out the attack. He arrived in the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, a Biden administration program that evacuated and resettled tens of thousands of Afghans following the US withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Broader Recognition of Service and Achievement
The State of the Union address also served as a platform to honor other distinguished Americans. President Trump presented awards including the Congressional Medal of Honor, the Legion of Merit, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom to several US service members and an Olympic athlete, highlighting their contributions and excellence.
This event underscores the ongoing risks faced by military personnel and the nation's commitment to recognizing their sacrifices. The Purple Heart awards to Wolfe and Beckstrom symbolize the bravery and dedication of those who serve, even in the face of grave danger on domestic soil.
