Sarah Beckstrom, 20, one of the two National Guard members who were injured by gunfire last Wednesday in Washington during an attack attributed to an Afghan refugee, has succumbed to her wounds, U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Thursday.

“Beckstrom, from West Virginia, one of the National Guard members we’ve been talking about, who was highly respected, young and magnificent, began her service in June 2023 and was exceptional in every way, has just passed away. She is no longer with us,” the Republican billionaire emphasized in his televised address from Florida.

The other service member who was shot “is fighting for his life,” he added. “He is in very serious condition. He is battling to stay alive, and we hope we will receive the best possible news” about his condition, he said.

Beckstrom enlisted in the West Virginia National Guard on June 26, 2023.

“This is a painful loss for our National Guard family,” said Colonel Larry Doane, commander of the District of Columbia Joint Task Force. “Specialist Sarah Beckstrom came to the District from West Virginia to help keep our nation’s capital safe and beautiful. She is a hero, and we mourn her loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones and with the West Virginia National Guard.”

Wednesday’s attack took place amid an extremely tense climate in the U.S., where in early September conservative influencer Charlie Kirk — an ally and promoter of President Trump among young people — was murdered. President Trump himself narrowly escaped an assassination attempt during his 2024 reelection campaign.

In recent months, the president ordered the deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles, Washington, and Memphis — in each case defying local authorities, all Democrats — insisting the measure was necessary to combat crime and support the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) police.

After the attack, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that another 500 service members would be sent to Washington, bringing the total to over 2,500. President Trump confirmed he ordered the reinforcements.

The city government of the capital had appealed to the courts seeking to have the National Guard withdrawn. A court ruled in its favor last week, but its decision included a 21-day stay, until December 11, allowing the federal government time to appeal.