WASHINGTON — The two National Guard members critically wounded in a shooting near the White House on Wednesday have been identified as Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, originally of Webster County, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, of Berkeley County, officials said Thursday.
U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro released the names during a morning news conference. Both soldiers underwent surgery and remain in critical condition, she said.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said Thursday on Fox News that Beckstrom had volunteered to work through the Thanksgiving holiday so that others could spend time with their families.
“Yet now, their families are in hospital rooms with them while they are fighting for their lives,” Bondi said.
Bondi said the Justice Department would “do everything in our power to seek the death penalty” if either Guard member does not survive. She also said the suspect, an Afghan national, should not have been allowed into the United States.
She said the charges ultimately filed will depend on the condition of the hospitalized service members.
“Worst case scenario, minimum life in prison with terrorism charges,” she said.
FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators have executed multiple search warrants across the country, including at the suspect’s last known residence in Washington state. All individuals at the home have been interviewed, and some interviews are ongoing.
“We will not stop until we interview anyone and everyone associated with the subject, the house and every piece of his life,” Patel said.
He added that the FBI is also conducting interviews related to the case in San Diego.
“This is a coast-to-coast investigation,” Patel said.
