President Donald Trump has announced that Sarah Beckstrom, a member of the National Guard who was shot near the White House on Wednesday, has died from her injuries.
Beckstrom, who served with the West Virginia National Guard, was one of two officers attacked when a 29-year-old Afghan man, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, suddenly opened fire close to the US capital.
The shooting caused panic in the area and led to an immediate security lockdown as authorities tried to control the situation.
During a press briefing on Thursday, President Trump said that Beckstrom “just passed away” and added that “she is looking down at us right now.” He said her parents were with her in her final moments and described her as an “incredible person” who excelled in everything she did.
He noted that her dedication to serving her country would always be remembered.
Trump called the shooting a “terrorist attack” and heavily criticised the Joe Biden administration. According to him, the attack was a result of allowing Afghans who had worked with US forces during the Afghanistan War to enter America.
He suggested that the system that screened such individuals failed and needed urgent changes to prevent similar incidents.
The tragic event has sparked discussions about national security, immigration policies, and the safety of security personnel working near sensitive government locations.
Many Americans have expressed sympathy for Beckstrom’s family and called for stronger measures to protect law-enforcement officers.
