Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a recent Webster County High School graduate who joined the West Virginia National Guard in 2023, was buried with full military honors at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton. Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were ambushed while patrolling a subway station near the White House on Nov. 26; Beckstrom died the next day. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, has been charged with murder and pleaded not guilty. Wolfe remains hospitalized and is expected to require several more weeks of acute care.
‘Deeply Moving’ Funeral Honors West Virginia Guardswoman Killed in DC Subway Ambush
US Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom's funeral was "deeply moving," West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said. - Department of Justice
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the West Virginia National Guard who was fatally shot in Washington, D.C., late last month, was buried in a private ceremony with full military honors at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, Gov. Patrick Morrisey said.
The funeral took place Tuesday and, according to Morrisey, was "deeply moving" — a reflection of Beckstrom's character and the support of family and friends.
Beckstrom graduated with honors from Webster County High School in 2023 and joined the National Guard several weeks later. She served with the 863rd Military Police Company.
US Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains hospitalized following the attack. - Andrew Wolfe/Facebook
Shooting and Aftermath
On Nov. 26, Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were ambushed while patrolling a subway station about three blocks from the White House. Beckstrom was shot and died the following day. Wolfe was also shot and remains hospitalized in Washington, D.C.; Gov. Morrisey said Wolfe is slowly recovering and is expected to need several more weeks of acute care.
“The ceremony was deeply moving and reflected the strength, grace, and love of a remarkable young woman and the family and friends who surrounded her,” Gov. Morrisey said.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who was also shot during the confrontation, has been charged with murder and has pleaded not guilty. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The private funeral and the presence of full military honors underscored the Guard's recognition of Beckstrom's service and the community's mourning for a young service member whose life was cut short.
