West Virginia National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old Army Spc., was tragically killed in an ambush-style attack in Washington D.C. on Wednesday. Her colleagues remember her as a bright and caring individual who "liked to laugh" - traits that defined her energetic and optimistic personality.
Beckstrom worked as a community engagement specialist for Seneca Health Services, where she used her compassion and dedication to support those at risk of psychiatric hospitalization. She frequently attended community events and shared resources with others, showcasing her commitment to serving the community.
The 20-year-old native of Summersville, West Virginia, had been on active duty in Washington since August as part of the White House crime task force. Her family is now mourning the loss of a young woman whose life was cut short.
Colleagues and her commanders are still reeling from the news, with many expressing their sadness and concern for Beckstrom's mother, who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. "It will be anguished," said Marcie Vaughan, CEO of Seneca Health Services. "Her mother was here that day. Everyone is concerned, and saddened."
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey echoed these sentiments, stating that Beckstrom was a beloved member of her unit, respected by many for her dedication and passion. While he never met her in uniform, the outpouring of support from her colleagues, commanders, and family has painted a vivid picture of a kind-hearted and courageous young woman.
The second victim, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, is currently undergoing surgery and remains in critical condition. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, acted alone in the attack, which has left many shaken and concerned for public safety.
Beckstrom worked as a community engagement specialist for Seneca Health Services, where she used her compassion and dedication to support those at risk of psychiatric hospitalization. She frequently attended community events and shared resources with others, showcasing her commitment to serving the community.
The 20-year-old native of Summersville, West Virginia, had been on active duty in Washington since August as part of the White House crime task force. Her family is now mourning the loss of a young woman whose life was cut short.
Colleagues and her commanders are still reeling from the news, with many expressing their sadness and concern for Beckstrom's mother, who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. "It will be anguished," said Marcie Vaughan, CEO of Seneca Health Services. "Her mother was here that day. Everyone is concerned, and saddened."
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey echoed these sentiments, stating that Beckstrom was a beloved member of her unit, respected by many for her dedication and passion. While he never met her in uniform, the outpouring of support from her colleagues, commanders, and family has painted a vivid picture of a kind-hearted and courageous young woman.
The second victim, Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, is currently undergoing surgery and remains in critical condition. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, acted alone in the attack, which has left many shaken and concerned for public safety.
her dedication 2 her community & her work is truly inspiring 
i can only imagine how scared her mom must be right now 
the fact that such a talented & caring person was taken from us 2 soon is just devastating 
we gotta send our thoughts & prayers 2 her loved ones & those affected by this senseless violence 
my heart is breaking for sarah's family & loved ones 
she sounded like such an amazing person - always spreading love & kindness wherever she went 
her dedication to helping others at seneca health services was truly inspiring 
?! I'm still trying to process it all... so sad about Sarah Beckstrom 
just heard about that poor girl Sarah Beckstrom 
. I can only imagine how tough it must be for her family and friends right now 
. And poor Andrew Wolfe 
still fighting for his life after being attacked... hope he gets better soon 
.
... I'm sending all my thoughts to Sarah's family and loved ones, and to Andrew's family too while he's going through this tough time 
... can't believe we're living in a world where violence like this is happening 
Rahmanullah lakanwal is in custody now, but the whole situation just leaves you feeling so uneasy & scared 
can we all just take a moment to think about the Beckstrom family right now? 
I'm not saying Beckstrom didn't deserve our sympathies or anything, but come on, let's keep an open mind here...
. We need to make sure that our communities have access to the resources they need to thrive, not just survive.
? I think this attack highlights a serious oversight in our country's priorities. We need to do better, folks. We can do better 
. I hope whoever finds out about this psycho's motives gets justice for Sarah and Andrew, but it's hard to see how that'll happen 
. You know how it is, one minute you're walking along, next thing you know, someone's gone 
.
. We had one classmate, Emily, who was always so passionate about helping others 
. That's what I want to remember about Sarah Beckstrom - her kindness, compassion, and dedication 
. We need more people like Sarah Beckstrom in the world, spreading love and positivity wherever they go 
.
she was doin so much good in her community & helping ppl in need 