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Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Friday that two West Virginia National Guard members who were victims of a November ambush near the White House will receive the Purple Heart decoration.
Speaking at a National Guard reenlistment ceremony at the Washington Monument, Hegseth confirmed that Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe would be recognized with one of the nation’s oldest military decorations.
“And we had a terrible thing happen a number of months ago,” Hegseth told the gathering. “Andrew Wolfe, Sarah Beckstrom, one lost, one recovered, thank God, in miraculous ways. Both soon to be Purple Heart recipients because they were attacked by a radical.”
The announcement marks the first public confirmation from the Secretary that the service members will receive the Purple Heart, which is awarded to military personnel wounded or killed by enemy action. The decoration traces its origins to the American Revolution when George Washington established the Badge of Military Merit in 1782 to recognize wounded or killed enlisted soldiers. The modern version was revived in 1932.
Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, were shot on November 26 just blocks from the White House in what officials characterized as an ambush-style attack. Beckstrom died from her injuries a day after the shooting, while Wolfe was seriously wounded and continues to recover.
Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, the alleged gunman, faces nine charges related to the shooting, including first-degree murder while armed and assault with intent to kill while armed. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey expressed gratitude for the announcement in a statement posted on social media platform X, saying the recognition was long overdue. Morrisey revealed he had formally requested the Purple Heart awards on December 19.
“I thank Secretary @PeteHegseth for announcing that U.S. Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom and Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe will soon receive the Purple Heart, an honor that reflects their courage and sacrifice in defense of our nation,” Morrisey wrote. The announcement “brings long-overdue honor to their service, offers meaning and reassurance to their families, and stands as a solemn reminder that West Virginia will never forget those who sacrifice in defense of others.”
Hegseth’s remarks came during a ceremony that highlighted the National Guard’s ongoing security mission in Washington, D.C. During the event, he administered the oath of enlistment to more than 100 Guardsmen from nine states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and West Virginia.
These service members are part of a larger contingent of more than 2,600 National Guard personnel currently deployed in the nation’s capital at President Donald Trump’s direction. The deployment supports the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force, established in August 2025 after President Trump declared a crime emergency in the city.
In his address to the reenlisted Guardsmen, Hegseth acknowledged the challenges of their assignment in Washington. “This is not an easy assignment. It’s the real deal. It’s front lines,” he said. “You’ve done it, and you’ve done well.”
The Purple Heart announcement comes amid increasing recognition of security threats facing military personnel stationed within the United States. National Guard units have been increasingly deployed for domestic security operations in recent years, placing service members in potential danger even when not deployed overseas.
The War Department, which Hegseth now leads, highlighted the reenlistment ceremony in an official news release, underscoring the administration’s focus on supporting National Guard operations in the capital region.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Army for additional comment, but no immediate response was provided.
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9 Comments
It’s troubling to hear about this attack on National Guard members near the White House. I’m glad the two individuals will be awarded the Purple Heart, but it’s a sobering reminder of the dangers our troops encounter.
This is a tragic incident that has impacted our National Guard members. I’m glad to hear the two service members will receive the Purple Heart, a well-deserved honor. Wishing them a full recovery.
The Purple Heart is a meaningful recognition of the service and sacrifice of our military personnel. My heart goes out to Spc. Beckstrom, Staff Sgt. Wolfe, and their families during this difficult time.
While the details of this attack are still emerging, I’m grateful the two National Guard members will be recognized for their service and bravery. Receiving the Purple Heart is a meaningful tribute.
While the details of this attack are still unclear, I’m grateful the two National Guard members will be honored with the Purple Heart. It’s a solemn reminder of the sacrifices our troops make to protect our nation.
The Purple Heart is a powerful symbol of the sacrifices our service members make to protect our nation. I hope this gesture provides some comfort to Spc. Beckstrom, Staff Sgt. Wolfe, and their families during this difficult time.
It’s troubling to hear that National Guard members were targeted in this attack near the White House. I’m glad the two individuals will be awarded the Purple Heart, but it’s a somber reminder of the risks our troops face.
The Purple Heart is a solemn decoration reserved for those who have sacrificed for their country. My heart goes out to Spc. Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Wolfe, and I hope they can find peace and healing.
Receiving the Purple Heart is a somber but important acknowledgment of the risks our service members face. I hope this gesture provides some comfort to Spc. Beckstrom, Staff Sgt. Wolfe, and their loved ones.