Grafton, West Virginia — U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Diane Beckstrom, a 20-year-old military police officer with the 863rd Military Police Company of the West Virginia Army National Guard.
Was laid to rest with full military honors at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, after being fatally wounded during a shooting while on duty in Washington, D.C.
Beckstrom died on November 27, 2025, one day after authorities say she and fellow Guardsman Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were attacked near 17th and I Streets NW, close to the Farragut West Metro Station and only a few blocks from the White House.
Federal prosecutors said Wolfe was critically injured in the same ambush-style shooting and remained hospitalized as the case moved forward.
The man charged in the attack has been identified by federal authorities as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, an Afghan national who had been living in Bellingham, Washington.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, Lakanwal allegedly drove from Washington state to Washington, D.C., and opened fire without provocation on the two National Guard members.
He has been charged with first-degree murder while armed in Beckstrom’s death and ᴀssault-related counts in the shooting of Wolfe. Prosecutors noted that all charges remain allegations unless proven in court.
The funeral brought together family, friends, fellow soldiers and public officials to honor Beckstrom’s life and service.
Among those present were West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey, U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, U.S. Sen. Jim Justice, U.S. Rep. Carol Miller, U.S. Rep. Riley Moore, Gen. Steve Nordhaus, Lt. Gen. Jon Stubbs, Maj. Gen. Jim Seward and Command Sgt. Maj. James Jones.
During the ceremony, 111th Engineer Brigade Chaplain Maj. Christopher Bennett honored Beckstrom’s sacrifice, reminding those gathered that burial at the national cemetery represents service earned through commitment to the nation.
Beckstrom was remembered as a quiet professional, a dedicated soldier and a young woman whose kindness, humor and love for others left a lasting impression on those around her.
Sarah Diane Beckstrom was born on May 17, 2005, and graduated with honors from Webster County High School in 2023.
She enlisted in the West Virginia Army National Guard soon after graduation and completed training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.
She was later mobilized to Washington, D.C., as part of Operation D.C. Safe and Beautiful, a mission that brought National Guard members from multiple states to support security in the capital.
She is survived by her mother, Evalea Beckstrom; her father, Gary Beckstrom; her sisters, Nicole and Christina; and her brothers, Bryan and Wesley.
Her military awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, West Virginia Legion of Merit, D.C. Distinguished Service Medal and D.C. Humanitarian Service Medal.
As Beckstrom’s family and unit mourn her loss, prayers and support have also continued for Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, her fellow Guardsman wounded in the same attack.
The case against Rahmanullah Lakanwal remains active in federal court as investigators and prosecutors continue pursuing accountability for the shooting.
