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Trump orders flags to half-staff in Beckstrom’s memory

(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)
This photo provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, shows National Guard members Spc. Sarah Beckstrom. (U.S. Attorney’s Office via AP)
This photo provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025, shows National Guard member Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe. (U.S. Attorney’s Office via AP)

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump ordered American flags flown at half-staff Thursday in honor of West Virginia Army National Guard Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who was fatally shot last week in the nation’s capital.

Beckstrom, 20, died on Thanksgiving, Nov. 27, the day after she and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were shot while serving with a 160-member contingent of West Virginia National Guard members who had volunteered to remain in Washington through the end of the year as part of Trump’s anti-crime mission there.

Trump’s order directed that all U.S. flags be lowered to half-staff at the White House and all public buildings and grounds, military posts and naval stations and naval vessels until sunset on Thursday, as well as at American facilities abroad.

“Sarah was only 20 years old, but she lived with a courage and a sense of service well beyond her years,” West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said in a statement Thursday. “Everyone who knew her spoke of her warmth, her smile and her determination to help others. We will honor her life and her sacrifice for years to come.”

Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who was also shot during the confrontation, has been charged with first-degree murder, assault with intent to kill and illegal possession of a firearm. He is being held without bond after his attorney entered a not guilty plea on his behalf Tuesday.

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