In the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Washington, D.C., Governor Patrick Morrisey has confirmed that no members of the West Virginia National Guard deployed to the capital have sought to return home. The incident, which occurred Wednesday, left Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom dead and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe critically injured.
West Virginia National Guard Commitment
Governor Morrisey stated, “I haven’t heard of anyone stepping back. They wanted to stay. They wanted to complete the mission and serve their state and country.” This determination reflects the Guard’s commitment to their roles despite the recent violence.
Deployment Details
West Virginia sent between 300 and 400 National Guard members to Washington, D.C., at the request of former President Trump back in August. As of Friday, approximately 180 West Virginia Guard members remain on duty in the capital. These troops are part of a larger contingent of about 1,300 out-of-state Guard personnel deployed to support crime reduction efforts.
Governor’s Remarks and Future Plans
Though an additional 500 Guard personnel have been requested by President Trump in response to the shooting, Governor Morrisey has not committed to sending more West Virginia troops. He emphasized, “Right now, I’m focusing on the families, the guardsmen, and healing.” Morrisey expressed his intention to consult with Guard leadership before making any future deployment decisions.
Recent Incident and Heroic Actions
The tragic event involved an ambush shooting, leading to the deaths and injuries of two service members. Following the attack, law enforcement sources reported that a third Guard member intervened, using a pocketknife to subdue the suspected gunman. A fourth member returned fire, ensuring the immediate threat was neutralized.
- Deceased: Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, age 20
- Injured: Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, age 24
- Suspect: 29-year-old Afghan national
Governor Morrisey described Specialist Beckstrom as a soldier who brought positive energy to her unit and was deeply respected by her peers. Wolfe is noted for his family history of military service, with his father in law enforcement and his grandfather a recipient of multiple Purple Hearts. His family has requested prayers for his recovery.
Moving Forward
The governor emphasized that, despite the recent violence, the mission of the National Guard will not be abandoned. He stated, “When evildoers come in and commit heinous acts, we can’t back down.” Governor Morrisey’s focus remains on supporting the families affected and ensuring the safety of his troops as they continue to execute their duties in Washington, D.C.
