Just blocks from the White House, a quiet act of service ended in tragedy.

Two young National Guard members were ambushed; one was killed instantly, and another was left in critical condition.

This week on Zone 7, Sheryl McCollum welcomes Dr. Sunny Slaughter to reflect on what happened that day and what it reveals about leadership, language, and the power of restraint.

Together, they explore how hate takes root, why communication can be a matter of life and death, and what it truly means to serve with empathy when the world feels like it’s falling apart.

Highlights:

• (0:00) Sheryl McCollum reveals Zone 7’s 2026 return to weekly episodes and the kickoff. of the 10-8 Tour

• (1:00) Welcome to Zone 7 with Sheryl McCollum and guest Dr. Sunny Slaughter

• (4:15) The ambush that killed Sarah Beckstrom, 20, and critically injured Andrew Wolfe, 24

• (7:00) How compassion, not politics, defines law enforcement and military duty

• (10:00) “Take the temperature down to zero”: Dr. Slaughter’s warning against political violence

• (12:30) Dr. Slaughter’s experience teaching “lens, language, and law” and why empathy is operational readiness

• (17:00) Service as calling, not career: advice for the next generation of guardsmen and officers

• (20:45) Sheryl and Dr. Slaughter on gratitude, resilience, and learning through hardship

• (27:00) Finding meaning after loss and the power of service on purpose• (30:00) Preparing for crisis: why every law enforcement professional must plan for the unexpected

• (35:00) The Florida eviction tragedy and how quickly crisis can turn fatal

• (36:15) Final reflections: honoring the National Guard members through unity, compassion, and continued service

Guest Bio

Dr. Sunny Slaughter is a law enforcement instructor, expert witness and crisis communication strategist who specializes in counterterrorism, extremism, and emerging threats.

As CEO of Sunny Slaughter Consulting and founder of the Sunny Slaughter Group, she helps agencies nationwide build crisis-ready leadership. A former military spouse and longtime advocate for justice and public safety, Dr. Slaughter has served as a U.S. Department of Homeland Security instructor and continues to guide federal, state, and local agencies in strengthening community resilience.

About the Host

Sheryl “Mac” McCollum is an active crime scene investigator for a Metro Atlanta Police Department and the director of the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute, which partners with colleges and universities nationwide. With more than 4 decades of experience, she has worked on thousands of cold cases using her investigative system, The Last 24/361, which integrates evidence, media, and advanced forensic testing.

Her work on high-profile cases, including The Boston Strangler, Natalie Holloway, Tupac Shakur and the Moore’s Ford Bridge lynching, led to her "Emmy Award for CSI: Atlanta" and induction into the National Law Enforcement Hall of Fame in 2023.

Social Links:

• Email: [email protected]

• Twitter: @149zone7

• Facebook: @sheryl.mccollum

• Instagram: @officialzone7podcast

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Preorder Sheryl’s upcoming book, "Swans Don’t Swim in a Sewer: Lessons in Life, Justice, and Joy from a Forensic Scientist," releasing May 2

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