Trump’s questionable response when asked if he’ll attend funeral of National Guard member who died after shooting near White House

Sarah Beckstrom, a 20-year-old member of the West Virginia National Guard, has died from injuries she suffered in a shooting near the White House. Former President Donald Trump has been asked whether he plans to attend her funeral.

Beckstrom and Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe were both critically wounded when they were attacked on November 26 by an Afghan national. While Wolfe remains in serious condition, Beckstrom tragically did not survive.

During his Thanksgiving call with U.S. service members, Trump said he had only just been informed of Beckstrom’s passing, noting that Wolfe was still “fighting for his life.” He described Beckstrom as an exceptional person who excelled in every way.

The suspect in the shooting, 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, has been charged. According to reports cited in the article, Lakanwal previously served in a CIA-backed Afghan military unit before coming to the United States.

When asked whether he would attend Beckstrom’s funeral, Trump replied that it was possible, praising the people of West Virginia but adding that he had not yet made a decision.

In Beckstrom’s hometown of Webster Springs, the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post announced community prayer vigils. The post shared on Facebook that her death had left the community devastated and encouraged residents to keep her loved ones in their thoughts.

Attendees have been asked to wear blue ribbons to honor Beckstrom, symbolizing support for military personnel. Details about the date of her funeral have not yet been released.