Two West Virginia National Guard members deployed to Washington DC were targeted in a shooting near the White House on Wednesday. Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries, while Senior Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, was hospitalized in critical condition.

Details of the Incident

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey confirmed the deaths via social media, noting that federal authorities are investigating the case. Officials also reported that the suspect was wounded during the incident but is not in life-threatening condition. An unnamed source stated that one of the National Guard members was shot in the head.

President Trump’s Statements

President Donald Trump informed U.S. troops during a Thanksgiving call that Beckstrom had died and Wolfe was fighting for his life. He described Beckstrom as “an incredible person, extraordinary in every way,” and spoke with her family following the announcement.

Trump called the attack a “terrorist act” and identified the suspect as an Afghan who had worked with the CIA and settled in the U.S. He noted that National Guard members had been deployed in part to support his administration’s mass deportation efforts.

Security and Investigation

Authorities continue to investigate the motive and full circumstances of the attack. The National Guard had been deployed to help ensure security in the nation’s capital and support federal law enforcement operations. Security measures around Washington DC have been increased in the aftermath of the shooting.