West Virginians question National Guard deployments after attack on 2 of their own

Sunday, December 7, 2025 -In West Virginia, the recent ambush of two of its own — West Virginia National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C. — has triggered widespread anger and fresh doubts over whether sending the Guard to the capital was worth the risk.

The fatal shooting of Sarah Beckstrom and the critical wounding of Andrew Wolfe — both from small-town communities where serving in the Guard has long been considered a path to education, income, and stability — shook the very sense of trust that service once offered.

Questions are now pouring in about whether the deployment to D.C. ever made sense — even among traditionally pro-military communities. Many locals argue the mission has been politicized, pointing out reports that Guard members spent more time on “cleanup duties” than genuine security operations — a role some call a waste of young lives. 

In Webster Springs, a Mountain State town of just 800, grief mingles with anger: residents say this tragedy should force policymakers to re-examine the deployment strategy.

Still, state leadership remains publicly supportive of the Guard’s mission. Patrick Morrisey, West Virginia’s governor, called the assignment “a continuation of this legacy of service,” insisting the state stands by its soldiers. 

But for many West Virginians, that justification rings hollow — especially now, after loss and near-loss of young lives. For a state already struggling economically, the question echoes loud: Was this deployment ever really necessary?