President Donald Trump confirmed that one of two West Virginia National Guard members shot near the White House by an Afghan national has died. The deceased, Specialist Sarah Beckstrom, was 20 years old. Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains critically injured.

Trump made the announcement during a Thanksgiving call with U.S. troops, describing Beckstrom as “an incredible person, exceptional in every way,” and noting that he had spoken with her parents.

The suspect, who had previously collaborated with the CIA in Afghanistan, has been described by the president as a “savage monster.” Trump characterised the incident as a “terrorist attack” and criticised the Biden administration’s policies allowing Afghans who assisted U.S. forces during the Afghanistan War to enter the country.

The White House said Trump communicated directly with Beckstrom’s family following the news. National Guard units have been mobilised in part to support broader federal security and immigration enforcement operations.