Trump awards Purple Heart to National Guard members attacked in D.C.

Gen. James Seward presented the award to Wolfe and Beckstrom's mother during the speech. Both were present at the U.S. Capitol for the event.

Published: February 24, 2026 10:34pm

President Donald Trump on Tuesday awarded the Purple Heart to the two members of the National Guard who were attacked while on patrol in Washington, D.C.

U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, were on patrol in the nation's capital as part of Trump's crackdown on crime and illegal immigration in the area. Beckstrom was fatally shot during the February attack, while Wolfe managed to recover from his injuries. Trump prefaced the award by highlighting the sacrifice of Beckstrom and the determination Wolfe's mother while awaiting his recovery.

"So Andrew, while you're up now, I'm going to ask a highly respected general, James Seward to present Staff Sergeant Andrew Wolfe and the great family of Sarah Beckstrom with the award created by our late great President, George Washington himself," he said, during the State of the Union Address. "It's called the Purple Heart."

Gen. James Seward presented the award to Wolfe and Beckstrom's mother during the speech. Both were present at the U.S. Capitol for the event.

Trump further highlighted the service records of Beckstrom and Wolfe, praising them for serving the country. 

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent at Just the News. Follow him on X.

The Facts Inside Our Reporter's Notebook

Unlock unlimited access

  • No Ads Within Stories
  • No Autoplay Videos
  • VIP access to exclusive Just the News newsmaker events hosted by John Solomon and his team.
  • Support the investigative reporting and honest news presentation you've come to enjoy from Just the News.
  • Just the News Spotlight

    Support Just the News