Sarah Beckstrom Biography: Early Life, Career, Age, Personal Life and Recent News

Sarah Beckstrom Biography

Sarah Beckstrom was a young woman who showed great courage and love for her country. She grew up in a small town and chose to serve in the military. Her life ended too soon because of a sad event in Washington, DC. This biography looks at her story to help people understand who she was and why her actions matter. It covers her early years, her work in the National Guard, her personal side, the recent events that led to her death, and what we can learn from her.

On November 26, 2025, Sarah and another soldier were shot while on duty near the White House. She died the next day, on November 27, 2025. President Donald Trump spoke about her during a call to service members on Thanksgiving. He called her a highly respected and magnificent person who started her service in June 2023. Her story reminds us of the risks that military people take every day. Many people ask questions like “Who was Sarah Beckstrom?” and “What happened to her in the DC shooting?” This article answers those and more. It uses facts from news reports and official statements to share her life in a clear way.

Sarah came from Summersville, West Virginia, a place known for its natural beauty and strong community. She joined the West Virginia Army National Guard at age 18. In just two years, she became a specialist in military police work. Her choice to volunteer for duty on Thanksgiving showed her kind heart. She wanted others to spend time with their families. This act of giving led to the tragic event that took her life. As we read her story, we see a picture of a patriot who put service first. Her legacy teaches us about duty, kindness, and the cost of protecting our nation.

West Virginia has a long history of people serving in the military. Many from there join to help their state and country during tough times like floods or national needs. Sarah fit into this tradition. She was part of the 863rd Military Police Company. Her work included helping with security and support tasks. The shooting brought attention to the dangers even in places like the capital city. It also started talks about safety for Guard members and how we handle immigration. But this biography focuses on Sarah as a person, not just the event. We aim to educate readers about her full life, from childhood to her final days.

In the sections ahead, we explore each part of her journey. We use simple words to make it easy to read. Facts come from reliable sources like news from CBS, CNN, and official Guard statements.

Sarah Beckstrom Early Life

Sarah Beckstrom was born around 2005 in Summersville, West Virginia. This small town sits in Nicholas County and has about 3,000 people. It is famous for Summersville Lake, the largest lake in the state, where folks enjoy boating and fishing. Growing up there shaped Sarah into a strong and caring person. The area has hills, forests, and a close community feel. People there value hard work and helping each other, which likely influenced her choice to serve.

Her family played a big role in her life. Her father, Gary Beckstrom, spoke about her after the shooting. He was by her side in the hospital. Details about her mother or siblings are not widely shared, but reports show a supportive home. In small towns like Summersville, families often join local events and outdoor activities. Sarah likely spent time hiking in the nearby Monongahela National Forest or attending community gatherings. These experiences built her love for nature and people.

Education started at local schools. She went to Summersville High School and graduated around 2023. High school in rural West Virginia includes classes on history, science, and skills for jobs. Sarah may have joined groups like Junior ROTC, which teaches leadership and prepares for military life. This could have sparked her interest in service. The school district in Nicholas County focuses on building character and community ties. Many students from there go on to jobs that help others, like teaching or military roles.

Life in Appalachia brings challenges, like fewer job options. But it also teaches resilience. Sarah grew up during times when West Virginia faced issues like coal mine closures. Yet, the state’s people are known for their patriotism. Many families have members who served in wars or the Guard. This environment helped form her values. She learned to be tough, kind, and ready to help. Friends and family remember her as someone with a big heart who always smiled.

Sarah Beckstrom Career

Sarah Beckstrom started her military career in June 2023, at age 18. She joined the West Virginia Army National Guard as a way to serve her community and country. The Guard is a part-time force that helps during state emergencies like floods and also supports national missions. In West Virginia, it often aids with disaster relief because of the state’s weather.

She trained at places like Fort Leonard Wood for basic combat skills. After that, she became a specialist in the 863rd Military Police Company, part of the 111th Engineer Brigade. Her job as a military police specialist included tasks like patrols, security, and helping law enforcement. She learned skills in handling weapons, first aid, and teamwork. In two years, she showed dedication and earned respect from her unit.

In 2025, her unit went to Washington, DC, to help with security. President Trump sent Guard members there as part of efforts to fight crime. Sarah and her fellow soldier, Andrew Wolfe, were sworn in for this mission less than 24 hours before the shooting on November 26, 2025. She volunteered for Thanksgiving duty so others could be with their families. This shows her selfless nature.

Sarah aimed to join the FBI one day. She saw the Guard as a step toward that goal. Many Guard members use their experience to move to federal jobs. Her work taught discipline and leadership. Fellow soldiers called her a great team member who brought joy to the unit. This section educates on what National Guard service means. It is not full-time like the active Army but still demands commitment. Members balance civilian life with military duties. Sarah’s story shows how young people can make a difference through this path.

The Guard has a rich history in America, dating back to colonial times. In modern days, it responds to hurricanes, wildfires, and security needs. West Virginia’s Guard is active in helping with floods, a common issue there. Sarah’s role in military police meant she could enforce rules and protect people. Her quick rise to specialist rank shows her hard work. Readers learn that service like hers keeps communities safe. It adds value by explaining military ranks and roles in simple terms.

Sarah Beckstrom Personal Life

Sarah Beckstrom lived a simple and heartfelt personal life. She was close to her family in Summersville. Her father, Gary, shared how he held her hand in her final moments on November 27, 2025. This shows the strong bond they had. She grew up with values of faith, family, and community, common in West Virginia.

She dated Adam Carr for six years. He described her as a loving and caring person with a huge heart. They met young and shared many moments, but they grew apart when she moved for duty. They ended their relationship about a month before the shooting. Carr spoke of her dream to work for the FBI and how she always helped others.

Off duty, Sarah enjoyed outdoor activities. Living near lakes and forests, she likely hiked, fished, or spent time in nature. Her hometown’s beauty encouraged this. She also valued friendships in her unit. Soldiers remembered her for bringing smiles and laughter. Her kindness showed in volunteering for shifts.

Her core beliefs included patriotism and duty. She joined the Guard to protect freedoms. Faith may have played a part, as many in her area attend church. This helped her stay strong.

Sarah Beckstrom Recent News

The most recent news about Sarah Beckstrom centers on the shooting in Washington, DC, on November 26, 2025. She and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe were on patrol near Farragut Square Metro Station, a few blocks from the White House. An Afghan national named Rahmanullah Lakanwal attacked them in an ambush. He shot Sarah in the chest and head. Both victims went to hospitals in critical condition.

Sarah died on November 27, 2025, at MedStar Washington Hospital. President Trump announced this during a Thanksgiving call to troops. He praised her as outstanding and asked for prayers for her family. Wolfe remained in critical condition after surgery.

The suspect, Lakanwal, came to the US as an asylum seeker. He was also hurt and faces charges like assault and possible terrorism. The FBI looks into it as a terror act. This led to actions like pausing Afghan migration and reviewing past approvals.

Tributes came quickly. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey called her courageous and full of duty. Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Justice Department would seek the death penalty. Communities in Summersville and Inwood held vigils. The West Virginia National Guard shared a statement of sadness.

On November 28, 2025, processions and memorials started. President Trump called for more Guard troops in DC. Media covered her volunteer spirit and the nation’s loss.

This news educates on current events and Guard risks. It uses dates for clarity and sticks to facts.

Conclusion

Sarah Beckstrom’s life was short but full of meaning. From her start in Summersville to her service in the Guard, she showed bravery and care. The shooting on November 26, 2025, and her death the next day highlight the sacrifices of military members. Her story teaches us to value those who protect us.

We remember her as a hero who volunteered so others could rest. Her legacy pushes for better safety and honors service. Let us support military families and think of her example.

FAQs

Who was Sarah Beckstrom?

She was a 20-year-old US Army Specialist from Summersville, West Virginia, in the National Guard.

How did Sarah Beckstrom die?

She died on November 27, 2025, from wounds in a shooting on November 26, 2025, in Washington, DC.

What was Sarah Beckstrom’s military role?

She served in the 863rd Military Police Company as a specialist.

Where was Sarah Beckstrom from?

Summersville, West Virginia.

What happened to the other victim, Andrew Wolfe?

He was critically injured and in hospital as of November 28, 2025.

Why was she in DC?

Her unit helped with security under President Trump’s plan.

Did she have future plans?

She wanted to join the FBI.

How has the community responded?

With vigils, tributes, and support for her family.