**Title:** Moment of Silence for Fallen Soldiers at WVU Football Game
**Meta Description:** The WVU football game honored two National Guard soldiers shot in D.C. as the community comes together in support.
**URL Slug:** moment-of-silence-wvu-football-game
**Headline:** West Virginia University Football Game Honors Fallen National Guard Soldiers
Before the West Virginia Mountaineers faced off against the No. 5 Texas Tech Red Raiders on Saturday afternoon in Morgantown, a poignant moment unfolded as the crowd observed a moment of silence for two West Virginia National Guard soldiers who were shot in Washington, D.C., earlier in the week.
The public address announcer requested silence as attendees came together to pay tribute to 24-year-old U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe from Martinsburg and 20-year-old Spc. Sarah Beckstrom from Webster Springs. Their images were displayed on the scoreboard during this solemn occasion.
The two soldiers were shot near the White House while on deployment. Tragically, Spc. Beckstrom succumbed to her injuries, while Staff Sgt. Wolfe remains in critical condition.
The alleged shooter, identified as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national, reportedly opened fire in broad daylight. Eyewitness footage captured the moment he turned a corner with a revolver in hand, prompting Guardsmen to seek cover. One Guardsman was seen returning fire, and Metro Police reported that other National Guardsmen, hearing the gunfire from three blocks away, managed to detain Lakanwal after he was shot.
According to federal charging documents, Lakanwal discharged 10 to 15 rounds using a .357 revolver. He entered the United States in September 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, a program aimed at resettling Afghan evacuees. Prosecutors noted that he had traveled across the country shortly before the incident and had no prior criminal record. Lakanwal now faces charges of first-degree murder and two counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, with the Department of Justice indicating intentions to seek the death penalty.
Both Beckstrom and Wolfe were part of the West Virginia National Guard deployed to the D.C. area to address crime in response to an executive order from former President Donald Trump.
Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.Va., shared on “FOX & Friends Weekend” that Wolfe is “hanging on,” urging the public to pray for his recovery. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the community’s deep care for its National Guard members and the pride in their military service.
As for the Mountaineers’ performance, they struggled against one of the nation’s top teams, highlighting the emotional weight of the day.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What happened to the West Virginia National Guard soldiers?**
A: Two soldiers were shot near the White House during their deployment, resulting in one fatality and one soldier in critical condition.
