Sarah Backstrom, 20, one of two National Guard members wounded by bullets last Wednesday in an attack attributed to an Afghan suspect two streets from the White House, has succumbed to her injuries, US President Donald Trump announced on Thursday.
"Backstrom, from West Virginia, one of the national guardsmen we're talking about, who was very well respected, she was young and magnificent, she started her service in June 2023 and was excellent in every way, she just left us. She is no longer with us," the Republican billionaire stressed in a televised address from Florida.
The other soldier who was hit by gunfire is "fighting for his life," he added. "He is in very serious condition. He is fighting for his life and we hope we will get the best news" about his progress, he added.
Backstrom was commissioned into the West Virginia National Guard on June 26, 2023. “This is a painful loss for our National Guard family,” said Col. Larry Dawn, commander of the District of Columbia Inter-Service Task Force. “Specialist Sarah Backstrom 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 family and the West Virginia National Guard.”
Source: protothema.gr
