West Virginia Honors National Guard Soldiers During Football Game
In a poignant display of solidarity, the West Virginia Mountaineers football team and fans paused for a moment of silence before their Saturday afternoon game against the fifth-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders. The Morgantown crowd honored two West Virginia National Guard soldiers who were victims of a shooting near the White House earlier that week. Images of 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe from Martinsburg and 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom from Webster Springs appeared on the stadium scoreboard as spectators bowed their heads in respect. This touching tribute brought together the community in grief and support, transcending the importance of the football game that would follow.
The tragic incident occurred when both soldiers were deployed in Washington, D.C., as part of an operation to address crime in the nation’s capital following an executive order from President Donald Trump. Specialist Beckstrom tragically lost her life from injuries sustained in the shooting, while Staff Sgt. Wolfe was reported to be in critical condition, “fighting for his life,” according to West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey who spoke on “Fox & Friends Weekend.” Representative Riley Moore also appeared on the program, sharing that Wolfe’s family was calling for prayers from across the country and globe to aid in his recovery. The shooting delivered what Governor Morrisey described as “a gut punch to the communities” of West Virginia, a state with “a proud tradition” of military service.
Eyewitness video captured the chaotic scene of the shooting, which occurred in broad daylight approximately three blocks from the White House. The footage shows the alleged shooter, identified as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, turning a corner with a revolver while National Guard members scrambled for cover. According to federal charging documents, Lakanwal fired between 10 and 15 rounds from a .357 revolver before being detained by other National Guardsmen who heard the gunshots and responded. One Guardsman was seen returning fire during the incident, highlighting the immediate response of the soldiers even as they were under attack.
The background of the alleged shooter has become a significant part of the developing story. Authorities reported that Lakanwal had entered the United States in September 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome, the Biden administration’s Afghan evacuation and resettlement program. Investigators noted that he had traveled across the country shortly before the attack and had no prior criminal record. The severity of the charges reflects the gravity of the crime – Lakanwal faces first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed. Attorney General Pam Bondi has indicated that the Department of Justice intends to pursue the death penalty in this case, underscoring the seriousness with which federal authorities are approaching the prosecution.
The shooting has resonated deeply throughout West Virginia, a state known for its strong military connections and respect for service members. Governor Morrisey’s comments about the state caring “very deeply about its guard” reflected the profound impact this tragedy has had on local communities. The moment of silence at the football game represented more than just a ceremonial gesture; it was a genuine expression of the state’s collective grief and solidarity with the affected families. Such public displays of support demonstrate how military service members are viewed as integral parts of the community fabric in West Virginia, where the tradition of stepping up for military service remains strong.
In stark contrast to the solemnity of the pre-game ceremony, the football contest itself proved one-sided. The highly-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders dominated the Mountaineers, winning 49-0 and improving their season record to an impressive 11-1. West Virginia concluded their season with a 4-8 record, unable to match their opponents on this emotional day. Yet the score seemed almost inconsequential against the backdrop of the tragedy that had brought the community together before kickoff. The juxtaposition of the competitive sporting event with the somber tribute beforehand highlighted how athletics can provide a platform for communities to unite in both celebration and mourning.
As the investigation into the shooting continues and as Staff Sgt. Wolfe fights for recovery, the West Virginia community remains united in support of their National Guard members. The moment shared at Milan Puskar Stadium exemplifies how sports venues can become spaces for collective expression during times of tragedy. While the Mountaineers may have lost on the field that day, the spirit of West Virginia was evident in how they paused to honor their fallen and wounded soldiers, demonstrating that some things – like respect for sacrifice and service – transcend the outcomes of games. The images of Beckstrom and Wolfe displayed on the scoreboard will likely remain in the memories of those present far longer than any play from the football game that followed.
