On Thanksgiving night, Linsey Davis hosted ABC’s World News Tonight and broke the tragic news that a National Guard soldier died following a shooting incident in Washington D.C.
The 48-year-old anchor was front and center on November 27 as the regular host, David Muir, was noticeably absent for the holiday. Davis revealed that Sarah Beckstrom, a soldier, succumbed to her injuries after being shot on Wednesday, November 26, with another National Guardsman, Andrew Wolfe, currently in critical condition.
Davis began her report from the ABC studio, saying, “Good evening, everyone! Thanks for joining me on this Thanksgiving; I’m Linsey Davis filling in for David. We kick off tonight with breaking news—President Trump has just confirmed one of the National Guard members has died after an incident near the White House.”
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“Army Specialist Sarah Beckstrom was only 20 years old, and 24-year-old Air Force Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe is fighting for his life,” she stated. Authorities identified the suspect, a 29-year-old Afghan national, who drove from Washington State with the intent to target the guardsmen. Law enforcement, including the FBI and ATF, is treating this incident as a possible terrorist attack.”
As video footage played showing emergency responders at the scene, Davis noted, “Sources report that the suspect, seen here being wheeled into an ambulance, had ties to a CIA-supported military group during the Afghan War, and moved to the U.S. in 2021.”
She continued, mentioning that the suspect now faces death penalty charges and conveyed how Wolfe’s family is pleading for support and prayers. Davis then passed the segment to ABC correspondent Jay O’Brien for further details.
As O’Brien provided a voiceover, chilling images from the shooting played on screen. O’Brien recapped the event, stating, “Tonight, these alarming images from The Wall Street Journal depict the moments when a gunman ambushed two National Guardsmen in the bustling heart of Washington D.C.”
During a press conference, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, stated, “You’ve chosen the wrong target, the wrong city, and the wrong country. You will face the repercussions for your violence and malevolence shown in our nation’s capital.”
O’Brien further reported, “Law enforcement confirms the gunman used a .357 revolver when he launched the ambush outside a crowded metro stop.” Broadcasting live from the area, he added, “A window was shattered during the gunfire. Glass was strewn all over the ground, and as the shots rang out, other guardsmen rushed to aid—one managed to shoot and injure the suspect.”
While images of Beckstrom and Wolfe appeared onscreen, O’Brien added, “Earlier in the day, President Trump communicated with military officials to announce the unfortunate passing of Specialist Sarah Beckstrom,” with Trump being seen in a press conference declaring her death. “She has just passed away. She is no longer with us.”
The report detailed that Beckstrom’s father shared on Facebook, expressing, “My baby girl has passed to glory,” while the White House confirmed that Trump reached out to the family. The family of Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe asked The New York Times to share their desperate hopes for prayers.”
Brigadier General Leland D. Blanchard II, appearing on ABC to address the press, emphasized, “The lives of their families have been forever altered because of one individual’s horrific actions.” West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey commented, reflecting on the numerous supporters gathered outside the affected area, hoping to offer strength to the grieving families.”
O’Brien noted that the investigation is “picking up steam,” revealing that the suspect was residing in Bellingham, Washington, with his wife and five children. “FBI agents are conducting searches of his home, treating this as a possible terrorist incident,” he added. Kash Patel, FBI director, reiterated their commitment: “We won’t stop until every part of his life is thoroughly investigated.” Reports guiding the investigation indicated that the suspect had previous experience leading elite Afghan counter-terrorism forces and officially attained asylum under the Trump administration this past April.”
While reporting live, O’Brien dropped another heavy detail, stating that the two Guardsmen shot at the metro station, Staff Sergeant Wolfe and Specialist Beckstrom, had declined offers to end their deployment early the previous week, opting instead with over 150 of their comrades to extend their service in Washington until year-end.
O’Brien also highlighted that a clip addressing the incident has been shared on Instagram, citing, ” President Trump reported during a statement that the National Guard member ambushed has unfortunately passed away. Authorities have stated the shooter is a 29-year-old Afghan national with a background in a CIA-linked unit during the Afghan warfare.”
Fans quickly turned to social media with many directing their frustrations at President Trump. One individual vented, “Trump is to blame. National Guard troops shouldn’t be there at all!” Another comment read, “Trump has never apologized to these families for sending our West Virginia Guardsmen to D.C.”
Another user expressed sorrow saying, “This is devastating. There should be no reason for troops or the National Guard to be stationed in cities across America!” They pinpointed ICE as key problems while blaming Trump for playing political games with the military’s deployment. “This young woman didn’t need to lose her life like this.”
In contrast, other comments focused on sympathy for the victims. One user articulated, “This is deeply saddening and tragic. My heart goes out to her family in this challenging time. Take care, Sarah.” Another supporter offered gratitude claiming, “We cherish you, Sarah! Your sacrifice for your country is both inspiring and heartbreaking. God bless West Virginia and the USA!!”
A final sentiment read, “Saluting the honorable National Guard member, 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom, who paid the ultimate price for her service. My deepest condolences to her family and friends. Rest in peace.”
