Trump honors fallen hero Sarah Backstrom at Christmas Tree lighting: ‘She’s watching from heaven’

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump attended the 103rd National Christmas Tree lighting in Washington on Thursday, December 5. Trump delivered a speech about the event. 

He brought up the two National Guard members who were shot near the White House by a suspected Afghan attacker. Trump also took time to honor Sarah Backstrom, the fallen hero who lost her life during the White House shooting. He said, “She’s watching from heaven!”

Donald Trump shares heartfelt words for Sarah Backstrom at the tree lighting ceremony

Trump took a moment to pay respect to the two National Guard members during the event. He said, "I want to pay my highest respects to those two. Great Guardsmen, you know who I'm talking about. In one case, the ultimate and the other Andrew is getting better."

He didn’t hesitate to bring up Sarah Backstrom's name. He said she "unfortunately, is watching from a high watching from Heaven."

Trump then turned his attention to the families. He said, "Parents are so incredible and Andrew is hopefully getting better. You got hit hard defending us. I just want to pay my respects to them."

He wrapped up his statement by saying, "Two incredible people. Unbelievable people. I spoke with the parents and met the parents today, met the parents of Andrew, and they have spirit, and they love our country so much you wouldn't believe."

Backstrom and Andrew Wolff were shot by Rahmanullah Lakhanwal, a suspected Afghan immigrant. He is an Afghan national who, according to the CIA, "worked with US forces during the war in Afghanistan."

Backstrom, 20, lost her life in the shooting. Wolff, 24, survived. This isn’t the first time Donald Trump has spoken about Backstrom and Wolff. He also shared his condolences on Truth Social right after the incident happened.

Donald and Melania Trump kick off the season with National Christmas Tree lighting 

Donald Trump and Melania Trump attended the National Christmas Tree lighting event in a festive mood. Melania lit the tree. The National Park Service said the tree is a 35-foot red spruce from the George Washington and Jefferson National Forest in Virginia.

The Beach Boys, Alana Springsteen, and several other artists performed at the event, as per The National Desk.

Trump also talked about the tree and said, "It's a beauty," while reminding everyone that Christmas celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. He added, "He brought the grace of God's love into the world and the promise of salvation for every person and every nation."