Trump welcomes family of injured National Guardsman Andrew Wolfe to White House

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump recently welcomed the family of Andrew Wolfe, the National Guard member who was critically wounded in the attack in Washington, DC, near the White House. 

The attack, allegedly carried out by an Afghan refugee last week, left Wolfe's fellow Guard member, Sarah Beckstrom, dead.

Trump's tribute to Andrew Wolfe's family

On Thursday, December 4, Trump posted the picture of the visit on his Truth Social handle, along with the caption, “The great family of Andrew Wolfe — Our wonderful National Guardsman who was badly injured protecting the Capital of the United States of America."

"He is in the process of healing. His parents, brother, and all of his friends are praying. I just met them in the Oval Office — They are fantastic American Patriots!”

The post included a photo of Trump and the first lady, Melania Trump, alongside Wolfe's parents and younger brother.

Later, during the National Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony on Thursday night, Trump said of the family, “They have spirit, and they love our country so much — you wouldn't believe."

Trump honors Sarah Beckstrom

During the ceremony, Trump thanked the men and women of the US military, including the "brave heroes" of the National Guard. He praised Wolfe and Beckstrom, who died in the hospital following the attack on November 26.

In a proclamation, he said, "As a mark of respect for the memory of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, West Virginia Army National Guard, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the United States shall be flown at half-staff at the White House."

Trump continued, "And upon all public buildings and grounds, at all military posts and naval stations, and on all naval vessels of the Federal Government in the District of Columbia and throughout the United States and its Territories and possessions until sunset, December 4, 2025."

"I also direct that the flag shall be flown at half-staff for the same length of time at all United States embassies, legations, consular offices, and other facilities abroad, including all military facilities and naval vessels and stations," he noted. 

Sarah Beckstrom and Andrew Wolfe had been on Task Force orders in DC since August

Beckstrom, of Webster Springs, served with the 863rd Military Police Company, 111th Engineer Brigade. She entered service on June 26, 2023, and had been on Task Force orders in DC since the mission began in August.

Wolfe, of Martinsburg, is assigned to the Force Support Squadron, 167th Airlift Wing. He entered service on February 5, 2019, and has also been serving on the mission since August.