National Guard Members Allegedly Attacked by Afghan Refugee in DC Receive Unanimous House Honor

Congress Unanimously Honors National Guard Members in Rare Show of Bipartisanship

The House of Representatives unanimously passed a resolution Monday honoring two National Guard members who were victims of a shooting near the White House last month, demonstrating a rare moment of political unity in Washington.

Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, both members of the West Virginia National Guard, were shot while on duty just blocks from the White House in what federal authorities are investigating as a terrorist attack. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries on Thanksgiving Day, while Wolfe remains in recovery.

The resolution passed by voice vote, with lawmakers from both parties speaking in support of the measure. West Virginia Representatives Carol Miller and Riley Moore led the effort, which quickly garnered broad bipartisan backing.

“As members of the West Virginia National Guard on duty in the nation’s capital, Specialist Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Wolfe were targeted and violently assaulted with a barrage of gunfire for doing nothing less than performing their duty as a soldier and an airman,” said Representative Rob Wittman (R-Virginia) during floor debate.

The alleged shooter has been identified as an Afghan refugee who entered the United States through Operation Allies Welcome during the 2021 military withdrawal from Afghanistan. This connection has prompted renewed discussion about the vetting process for evacuees, with some lawmakers pushing for additional security measures.

Democratic Representative Jill Tokuda of Hawaii praised Beckstrom’s service, noting that while “her life was far too short, her example will endure.” She added that both service members “represent the very best of our nation. Young Americans driven by service, compassion, and a sense of duty.”

The attack has deeply affected the West Virginia community. Representative Moore, himself a father, described attending Beckstrom’s funeral in Grafton, West Virginia as “heartbreaking.”

“Watching her father just grieve in that manner is just unimaginable. It really puts you at a loss for words,” Moore said during his remarks on the House floor.

The shooting has received significant attention not only as a national security matter but also as a tragedy highlighting the ongoing service and sacrifice of National Guard personnel. Guard members frequently deploy to Washington, D.C., for various missions, including support for high-profile events, emergency response, and security operations.

Medical updates indicate that Staff Sergeant Wolfe has been making what doctors describe as “extraordinary progress” in his recovery. According to reports, he is now able to breathe on his own and has opened both eyes, developments that have been characterized as miraculous given the severity of his injuries.

While largely symbolic, the resolution represents a notable instance of congressional unity in an otherwise divisive political climate. The bipartisan support for the measure stands in contrast to the partisan gridlock that has characterized much of the current congressional session.

National Guard officials have praised the resolution as an important acknowledgment of the risks service members face even on domestic assignments. The incident has also prompted a review of security protocols for National Guard personnel operating in urban environments.

A memorial with flags, flowers, and personal items has emerged near the Farragut West Station where the shooting occurred, as citizens from across the country pay their respects to the fallen and wounded guardsmen who were targeted simply for wearing their country’s uniform.