West Virginia Governor Condemns Failed Immigration Policies After Ambush Near White House

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey expressed sorrow over the death of Spc. Sarah Beckstrom of the West Virginia National Guard, stating that the state is “hurting” and rallying in prayer following an ambush-style attack near the White House.

Morrisey described the shooting that claimed Beckstrom’s life as an “unspeakable crime,” demanding justice and a reassessment of national security policies. Beckstrom, 20, died Thursday from injuries suffered in the attack Wednesday, while Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains in critical condition after being shot by a suspected Afghan national during a high-visibility patrol in Washington, D.C.

Morrisey, a Republican, emphasized that West Virginians are united in grief and support for the National Guard members and their families, stating, “It’s been a really tough stretch,” adding that families are hurting because they know this was a heinous act. He noted, “We’re rooting for Andrew with all of our prayers,” and mentioned that the state stands firmly behind the Guardsmen.

The governor said he traveled to the capital on Thanksgiving to meet with Guard members who served with Beckstrom and Wolfe, emphasizing the state’s support for them. “We want them to know that West Virginia has the Guard’s back,” he said, adding, “We are never — and I mean never — going to be intimidated by these people, these nut jobs who want to come in and take on our people. We have to stand strong.”

Morrisey also highlighted the need for stronger vetting and a serious review of prior immigration policies, particularly those used during the Biden administration’s evacuation and resettlement of Afghan nationals in 2021. “This was a failed policy on the part of the Biden administration,” he said, stressing that proper vetting is paramount. Calling the shooting a “wake-up call,” Morrisey urged the U.S. to “take a close look at some of the ridiculous policies that were in place in the past” and ensure protecting the homeland remains the federal government’s top priority.

The attack underscored a growing national security threat tied to immigration failures, with ICE Director Todd Lyons noting that fraud in asylum and TPS programs harms lawful immigrants and endangers others.