MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — In a poignant tribute amid the roar of a college football crowd, the West Virginia Mountaineers and their fans observed a moment of silence before Saturday's game against the No. 5 Texas Tech Red Raiders, honoring two National Guard soldiers from the state who were shot in an attack near the White House earlier in the week. The ceremony at Milan Puskar Stadium came just days after the Wednesday incident that claimed the life of 20-year-old Spc. Sarah Beckstrom from Webster Springs and left 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe from Martinsburg in critical condition.
The public address announcer called for silence as the stadium fell quiet, with photographs of Beckstrom and Wolfe displayed on the scoreboard. The two soldiers were part of the West Virginia National Guard deployment to Washington, D.C., aimed at addressing crime in the capital under an executive order from President Donald Trump. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries at a hospital on Thursday, while Wolfe continues to fight for his life, according to family updates shared through local representatives.
The shooting occurred in broad daylight near the White House on November 26, 2025, when the suspected gunman, 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, allegedly opened fire on the Guardsmen. Eyewitness video captured the chaos, showing a figure in dark clothing rounding a corner with a revolver in hand as the soldiers scrambled for cover. One Guardsman, positioned around a corner down the street, returned fire, according to Metro Police reports.
Federal authorities say Lakanwal fired 10 to 15 rounds from a .357 revolver before being detained by other National Guardsmen who heard the shots about three blocks from the White House and responded quickly. He had been shot in the exchange and was taken into custody. Lakanwal entered the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden administration's program for evacuating and resettling Afghans following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. Prosecutors noted that he had traveled across the country shortly before the attack and had no prior criminal record.
In a video message, President Trump addressed the nation, identifying Lakanwal as the alleged shooter and urging Americans to pray for the victims. "The alleged shooter of two National Guard members in Washington, D.C., entered the United States from Afghanistan in 2021," Trump said, according to the statement released Saturday. He emphasized the need for prayers, highlighting the soldiers' service and the tragedy's impact on their communities.
Lakanwal now faces charges of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, as announced by the Department of Justice. Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that the office intends to seek the death penalty in the case. The charging documents, cited in reports from Reuters, detail the rapid sequence of events and the shooter's movements leading up to the attack.
Rep. Riley Moore, a Republican from West Virginia, appeared on "FOX & Friends Weekend" Saturday to discuss Wolfe's condition. "Andrew is hanging on," Moore said, relaying messages from the family who are calling for prayers nationwide. He described the emotional toll on the state, noting the deep respect West Virginians hold for their National Guard members.
Governor Patrick Morrisey echoed those sentiments during the same broadcast, stressing the importance of collective support. "Andrew is fighting for his life right now, and his family and all of his friends, they're trying to harvest as many prayers as possible from all across the country, all across the globe, to help him recover," Morrisey said. He added, "West Virginia cares very deeply about its guard. And there's just a proud tradition of West Virginians who step up from military service. So, when something like this happens, it's really a gut punch to the communities."
The deployment of the West Virginia National Guard to D.C. was part of a broader initiative launched in response to Trump's executive order targeting urban crime. Beckstrom and Wolfe were among the troops sent to assist local law enforcement in high-crime areas around the capital. Their unit had been stationed near key government sites, including the White House, to provide security and support amid ongoing concerns about public safety.
Emergency personnel responded swiftly to the scene, cordoning off the area as shown in photographs from the Associated Press. The incident unfolded just blocks from the executive mansion, drawing immediate attention from federal agencies. Metro Police and other Guardsmen played a crucial role in subduing the suspect, preventing further harm.
While the moment of silence provided a somber start to the game, the afternoon's action on the field was one-sided. The Red Raiders dominated the Mountaineers, winning 49-0 to improve to 11-1 on the season, while West Virginia closed out its year with a 4-8 record. Head coach Rich Rodriguez's team struggled against the highly ranked opponent, but the focus remained off the field, with the tribute underscoring the day's deeper significance.
The attack has reignited discussions about national security and immigration policies, particularly regarding the vetting processes under programs like Operation Allies Welcome. Trump has previously criticized the Biden-era evacuation efforts, and his comments on the shooter tie into ongoing political debates. However, officials have stressed that the incident appears isolated, with no indications of broader threats at this time.
Community leaders in Martinsburg and Webster Springs have organized vigils and fundraisers for the families. Wolfe's hometown has rallied around his recovery, with local churches and veterans' groups leading prayer efforts. Beckstrom's family, meanwhile, is preparing memorial services, honoring her short but dedicated service to her country.
As investigations continue, the Department of Justice is reviewing additional evidence, including the eyewitness video and ballistic reports. Lakanwal's court appearances are pending, and updates on Wolfe's condition are being closely monitored by state officials. The West Virginia National Guard has confirmed that the remaining deployed members are safe and operations are proceeding as normal.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by service members, even on domestic assignments. For the Mountaineer faithful and the broader West Virginia community, the moment of silence was more than a pause in the game—it was a collective expression of grief, solidarity, and resolve in the face of loss.