Sarah Beckstrom Parents Honored with Purple Heart at Trump’s State of the Union
Feb. 25, 2026 — Washington, D.C. Sarah Beckstrom parents Gary and Evalea Beckstrom attended President Trump’s State of the Union address as special guests, where they accepted the Purple Heart on behalf of their daughter, U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, killed in an ambush-style shooting near the White House on November 26, 2025.
The 20-year-old West Virginia National Guard member from the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade, was patrolling with Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe when suspect Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, opened fire. Wolfe survived a head wound and also received a Purple Heart, presented by Gen. James Seward.
Trump addressed Sarah Beckstrom parents directly, stating,
“Your daughter was a true American patriot and she will be greatly missed.”
The honors came during the speech’s section on border security and homeland safety, highlighting the deployment under Trump’s executive order to combat crime in D.C.
The Ambush Incident
Sarah Beckstrom parents learned of the attack near Farragut Square Metro Station. Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. in 2021 via Operation Allies Welcome, pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and assault charges, according to CBS News and WDTV.
Gary Beckstrom held his daughter’s hand in her final hours, later sharing on a GoFundMe page,
“She has a mortal wound. It’s not going to be a recovery.”
The fundraiser for funeral and travel costs raised over $64,000 toward a $75,000 goal.
Funeral and Family Background
Sarah Beckstrom was laid to rest on December 10, 2025, at West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton with full military honors, as reported by DVIDS. She is survived by Sarah Beckstrom parents Gary and Evalea, sisters Nicole and Christina, and brothers Bryan and Wesley.
At the service, Chaplain Christopher Bennett described her as “a gentle soul who loved and lived deeply.”
Media Coverage and Confirmation
Reports from NBC Washington, WBOY, and X posts by NBC Washington and CBS Evening News confirmed Sarah Beckstrom parents’ attendance. Trump had invited them to underscore national security themes.
