Trump's Shocking White House Invite: What He Told the Family of Shot National Guardsmen Will Leave You Stunned!

President Donald Trump extended an invitation on Sunday to the families of the National Guard members affected by a recent shooting incident in West Virginia. U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom tragically lost her life, while U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe remains in critical condition, as reported by the Associated Press.

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

Vigils were held across West Virginia, where both Beckstrom, 20, and Wolfe, 24, served in the National Guard. Their deployment to Washington, D.C. came after Trump federalized the city’s police force earlier this summer amid civil unrest.

Describing Beckstrom at a Saturday vigil, Gabriel Markle, principal of Webster County High School, remarked, “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. She was sweet, caring, and always willing to help others.” West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey echoed these sentiments, stating that Beckstrom “had a lot of kindness and she certainly had courage,” adding that “though her life lasted far too short, she has left a mark that’s going to last forever.”

Details Emerge About the Suspect

In connection with the shooting, a suspect identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal has been charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Lakanwal, an Afghan national, has a complex background that sheds light on his mental state prior to the incident. Emails obtained by the Associated Press indicate that he had been “unraveling” for years and struggled to maintain stable employment.

Community advocates had previously reached out to a refugee organization expressing concern over Lakanwal's mental health, fearing he might be suicidal. Lakanwal served in a Zero Unit, a special Afghan Army unit that collaborated with the CIA, before relocating to the U.S. through Operation Allies Welcome, a program aimed at assisting Afghan refugees following the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.

In Bellingham, Washington, Lakanwal lived with his wife and five sons, all under the age of 12. A January 2024 email reported that he “has not been functional as a person, father, and provider since March of last year.” It was noted that he quit his job in March 2023, and during this period, his behavior drastically changed. He reportedly spent weeks in a “darkened room” without interaction even with his family.

The situation escalated to the point where his family resorted to sending their toddler sons into his room to fetch his phone or messages, as he would not respond to anyone else. During times when his wife traveled, reports indicated that the children were not properly cared for, raising red flags with their school. Instances of neglect were so concerning that the school raised alarms about the children’s well-being.

Emails detailed how even Lakanwal's attempts to return to normalcy often resulted in “manic” episodes where he would impulsively drive long distances without a clear destination. This troubling behavior left many in his community alarmed and concerned for his family's safety.

The tragedy of this incident resonates deeply, not only as a stark reminder of the struggles faced by those serving in the military but also as a wake-up call about the importance of mental health support for veterans and refugees. As the nation processes this loss, the stories of Beckstrom and Wolfe serve to highlight both bravery in service and the need for compassionate support for those facing mental health challenges.