Trump invites Families of National Guard Members Shot in D.C. to White House

President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he has invited the families of National Guard members fatally shot last week to the White House. He said he spoke with their parents, who were “devastated.”

U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom died after the Wednesday shooting in Washington, D.C., while her colleague, U.S.air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe,remains in critical condition.

the president announced he discussed a White House visit for the parents of both West Virginia National Guard members.

“I said, ‘When you’re ready, because that’s a tough thing, come to the White House. We’re going to honour Sarah,” Trump told reporters. “And likewise with Andrew, recover or not.”

Local vigils in West Virginia have honored the soldiers in recent days, including one Saturday evening at Webster County High School, where Beckstrom was a student.

“Sarah was the kind of student that teachers hoped for, she carried herself with quiet strength, a contagious smile and a positive energy that lifted people around her,” said Jarrod Hankins, the school’s principal. “She was sweet, caring and always willing to help others.”

beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, were deployed with the West Virginia National Guard as part of Trump’s crime-fighting plan that federalized the D.C. police force.

A 29-year-old Afghan national faces one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill in the shooting. This incident prompted the Trump management to halt all asylum decisions and pause issuing visas for people traveling on Afghan passports.

Funeral arrangements for Beckstrom have not been finalized, according to Cathy Pettry, the owner of Dodd &