Governor Confirms No West Virginia National Guard Troops Have Requested to Leave D.C. Amid Deadly Shooting Incident

Gov. Patrick Morrisey shared on Friday that no members of the West Virginia National Guard in Washington, D.C. have asked to return home after a tragic shooting that resulted in one Guard member’s death and left another critically injured. He emphasized the resolve of the troops, saying, “They wanted to stay. They wanted to complete the mission and serve their state and country.”

In August, following a request from President Trump, Morrisey deployed between 300 and 400 Guard members to assist in the nation’s capital. As of now, about 180 remain on duty there. This deployment was part of an initiative to address rising crime in D.C., which involved approximately 1,300 troops from various states.

Following the recent shooting, President Trump ordered an additional 500 National Guard personnel to D.C. However, Morrisey did not confirm if West Virginia would contribute more troops, stating, “Right now, I’m focusing on the families, the guardsmen, and healing.” He did express the importance of not abandoning the mission, insisting, “When evildoers commit heinous acts, we can’t back down. That’s exactly what they want.”

The incident involved Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, who tragically lost her life, and Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, who is in critical condition. Morrisey described Beckstrom as a beloved member of her unit, while he noted that Wolfe comes from a family with a strong tradition of military service. Their families have requested prayers during this difficult time.

The situation escalated when a suspected gunman—an Afghan national—attacked the Guard members. During the chaos, sources reported that another member of the Guard intervened, using a pocketknife to subdue the suspect. This action, along with a return of fire from yet another Guard member, helped prevent further injuries, showcasing the bravery and quick thinking of those involved.

Recent statistics indicate an uptick in violent crime in urban areas, which has led to increased scrutiny on local law enforcement. Researchers from the Pew Research Center found that nearly 60% of Americans now feel less safe in their communities compared to five years ago. This trend has prompted discussions about the role of the National Guard and other forces in maintaining public safety.

In this challenging time, the sense of community support for the families of the injured remains strong. Morrisey’s focus on healing and unity resonates in a state known for its deep bonds and respect for service members.

For further reading on the deployment of the National Guard in urban areas and its effects, you can visit the Pew Research Center.

Source link

West Virginia, National Guard of the United States, Washington D.C.