President Donald Trump has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff across the United States in honor of a National Guard member who was fatally shot last week just blocks from the White House. The proclamation, issued on Dec. 4, comes as authorities continue their investigation into the attack and the suspect’s charges.
“As a mark of respect for the memory of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, West Virginia Army National Guard, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House and upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, December 4, 2025,” the presidential proclamation stated.
Trump also extended the directive to U.S. embassies and military facilities abroad: “I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations.”
In a show of support and recognition, the President invited Beckstrom’s family to the White House, emphasizing the nation’s gratitude for her service and sacrifice. Community members in Webster Springs, West Virginia, have already held a vigil in her honor, creating a portrait of the fallen soldier and gathering to remember her life and service.
The suspect, identified as Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with Beckstrom’s death. Authorities also say Lakanwal shot another National Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, 24, and faces multiple additional charges including assault with intent to kill while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Lakanwal, who had relocated to the Washington, D.C., area from Washington state, made a virtual court appearance from his hospital bed on Dec. 2. He was injured in a shootout with the National Guard following the attack on Beckstrom and Wolfe. During the hearing, a lawyer entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf.
“No condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the safety of the community,” D.C. Superior Court Magistrate Judge Renee Raymond stated during the hearing. “It is fairly clear that he came across the country, 3,000 miles, armed, with a specific purpose in mind.”
Authorities have confirmed that Lakanwal will be held without bond, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 14, 2026. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, said on Fox & Friends that additional charges are expected: “There are certainly many more charges to come, but we are upgrading the initial charges of assault to murder in the first degree.”
The Trump administration has characterized the shooting as an act of terrorism and indicated that prosecutors will pursue the death penalty. Federal officials have described Beckstrom as a dedicated National Guard specialist, highlighting her service record and the tragedy of her untimely death.
Beckstrom’s colleagues and community members have expressed shock and grief at the news. Social media posts and local news coverage have paid tribute to her life, emphasizing her commitment to service and the high regard in which she was held by friends and fellow soldiers alike.
Andrew Wolfe, the other Guardsman who was shot, survived the attack but remains in recovery. Authorities have not provided detailed updates on his condition, citing privacy concerns, but officials confirm he is receiving medical care and is expected to recover.
The incident unfolded near the White House, raising security concerns and prompting federal authorities to review how the attacker was able to reach the area. Lakanwal’s background as a former CIA-affiliated individual who worked in Afghanistan has heightened scrutiny and fueled public and political debate over security measures for the capital and other sensitive locations.
The investigation into Lakanwal’s actions is ongoing. Federal prosecutors are exploring his motivations, any potential connections to extremist groups, and whether he acted alone or had assistance. According to officials, his prior work with the CIA during the Afghanistan conflict is under review as investigators seek to understand how he acquired weapons and planned the attack.
Trump’s proclamation to lower flags at all federal buildings, military installations, and U.S. diplomatic facilities is a symbolic act of respect and mourning for Beckstrom. It serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by service members and the importance of recognizing their contributions. Flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on Dec. 4, with the directive applying not only domestically but also at U.S. government facilities abroad.
In Webster Springs, community members prepared for a vigil in Beckstrom’s honor, displaying a portrait of the fallen National Guard member at the town hall. Residents described her as a dedicated, compassionate individual who embodied the spirit of service and sacrifice. The vigil offered a space for friends, family, and local officials to reflect on her life and to show solidarity with the grieving community.
Local leaders have praised the response of the National Guard and law enforcement, highlighting their quick action in subduing Lakanwal and providing medical assistance to the surviving Guardsman. Security protocols near the White House and other high-profile areas are reportedly under review following the incident, as authorities assess whether additional measures are needed to prevent similar attacks in the future.
The charges against Lakanwal, including first-degree murder and firearms violations, carry severe penalties, reflecting the gravity of the incident and its impact on both the victims and the broader community. The case has already drawn national attention, with government officials, media outlets, and advocacy groups weighing in on both security concerns and the handling of the legal process.
Federal prosecutors have indicated that the investigation will continue to gather evidence regarding the attack and Lakanwal’s intentions. Surveillance footage, witness statements, and digital communications are all under review as part of the effort to build a comprehensive understanding of the incident. The Department of Justice has emphasized that the case is a top priority and that all available resources are being used to ensure accountability.
The Trump administration’s declaration that the attack constitutes terrorism underscores the political and national security dimensions of the case. Officials have stated that the motive appears premeditated, and that Lakanwal’s actions were intended to target members of the National Guard specifically.
Beckstrom’s service and sacrifice have been widely recognized. Colleagues remember her as dedicated, courageous, and committed to her fellow service members. “She was a true professional and a great friend,” said one National Guard official. “Her loss is felt deeply by all of us.”
In addition to the flag proclamation, Trump’s outreach to Beckstrom’s family reflects a personal gesture of condolence and recognition of her service. Officials report that the family has accepted the invitation to visit the White House, where they will meet with the President and other senior administration figures to honor Beckstrom’s memory.
The case also highlights ongoing concerns about threats to service members and the public in urban areas. Security analysts have emphasized the need for comprehensive reviews of access to sensitive locations, coordination between local and federal law enforcement, and preventive measures to reduce the risk of similar attacks.
As the legal process unfolds, the preliminary hearing scheduled for January will offer the first formal opportunity for prosecutors to present evidence and for the defense to respond. Observers expect the case to continue drawing media attention, given the high-profile nature of the attack, the charges involved, and the Trump administration’s characterization of the event as an act of terrorism.
Ultimately, the nation’s mourning for Specialist Sarah Beckstrom is reflected not only in flags flown at half-staff but also in the public expressions of grief and respect from fellow soldiers, community members, and officials at all levels of government. Her death has underscored the sacrifices made by National Guard members, the dangers they face in their service, and the importance of honoring their commitment to the country.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
