Secretary Hegseth Meets Troops, Addresses Tragedy
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth visited National Guard service members at the D.C. Armory on Friday, offering both gratitude for their work in reducing violent crime in Washington, D.C., and sympathy over the recent loss of a soldier on duty.
Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, from Summersville, West Virginia, died on Nov. 27 after being shot the previous day near Farragut Square while carrying out her duties as a military police soldier with the 863rd Military Police Company.
Air National Guard Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, from Martinsburg, West Virginia, also suffered gunshot wounds and remains hospitalized.
Hegseth said the loss deeply affected the Guard community. “Our hearts are heavy for Spc. Beckstrom,” he told the troops. “She was a remarkable young American who served with honor. She was brutally targeted and ambushed. We also continue to pray for Staff Sgt. Wolfe as he fights for his life.”
The secretary led the troops in a prayer for Beckstrom’s family, Wolfe’s recovery, and the safety of service members deployed across the capital and worldwide.
Recognition of Heroism and Ongoing Operations
During the visit, Secretary Hegseth privately met the two individuals who helped subdue Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the suspect now in custody.
More than 2,200 National Guard members currently support Joint Task Force–District of Columbia. Approximately 925 come from the D.C. National Guard, while over 1,300 arrived from states including Georgia, Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, West Virginia, Ohio, and South Carolina.
Hegseth emphasized that Pentagon leaders—and President Donald J. Trump—closely follow the Guard’s efforts in Washington. “We are deeply grateful for everything you do, every hour, day and night,” he said. “President Trump believes the capital must remain safe, secure, and beautiful, and you have helped achieve that vision.”
He added that Guard operations have significantly improved safety for both residents and tourists. “Where people once saw danger and crime, they now see security,” Hegseth said. “You have delivered that courageously and selflessly.”
White House Praises the National Guard
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller also addressed the troops, extending the administration’s appreciation. “On behalf of President Trump and the United States government, we thank each of you for your service, sacrifice, and loyalty,” he stated. “Millions of Americans across the nation respect and support you.”
Additional Troops Ordered to D.C.
On Nov. 26, while traveling in the Dominican Republic for meetings on countering narco-terrorism, Hegseth announced plans to increase troop levels in Washington in response to the shooting.
“President Trump has asked me—and I will request from the Army secretary—to add 500 more National Guard troops to Washington, D.C.,” he said in Santo Domingo.
Thanksgiving with the Troops
After meeting Guard personnel, Secretary Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer, joined Stephen Miller, his wife Katie, and other officials in serving a Thanksgiving meal to service members. The secretary and his wife later sat down to eat alongside the troops, sharing the holiday with them.
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