WASHINGTON, D.C. (WCHS) — United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced on Friday that the two West Virginia National Guard members who were shot in Washington, D.C., in November will be awarded the Purple Heart.
While speaking to a group of National Guardsmen during a reenlistment ceremony at the Washington Monument, Hegseth referred to U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe as “soon-to-be Purple Heart recipients.”
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey had previously made a formal request to award both Beckstrom and Wolfe the Purple Heart on Dec. 19. stating that their “actions on that day meet the highest and clearest standards for the Purple Heart.”
Morrisey reacted to the news of Beckstrom and Wolfe receiving the Purple Heart on social media, thanking Hegseth for making the announcement and calling it “an honor that reflects their courage and sacrifice in defense of our nation.”
“On December 19, 2025, I was pleased to formally request the award of the Purple Heart for Sarah and Andrew. Their actions while protecting our nation’s capital meet the highest standards for this recognition. This announcement brings long-overdue honor to their service, offers meaning and reassurance to their families, and stands as a solemn reminder that West Virginia will never forget those who sacrifice in defense of others.”
Beckstrom and Wolfe were on deployment in Washington, D.C., at the request of President Donald Trump when they were both shot in an attack on Nov. 26 near the Farragut Square Metro Station, blocks from the White House.
Beckstrom died from her injuries the next day, while Wolfe continues to make steady progress recovering from his injuries, as his mother Melody recently posted an update on his progress while Andrew took to social media himself to express thanks to his supporters.
The suspect of the attack, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, pleaded not guilty in his arraignment on Wednesday.