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Democratic Senator Silent After National Guard Shooting Following Previous Military Concerns
Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) has remained silent when asked about her previous statements suggesting government officials should be prepared to resist potential orders from President Donald Trump to use military force against civilians. The senator’s office did not respond to multiple requests for comment following Wednesday’s shooting that left one National Guard member dead and another critically wounded in Washington.
The incident has created a complicated political dynamic for Slotkin and other Democratic lawmakers who previously voiced concerns about Trump’s potential use of military forces against civilians. Their alarm stemmed from allegations that during his first term, Trump asked then-Secretary of Defense Mark Esper to deploy the 82nd Airborne Division to Washington, D.C. to quell protests, allegedly suggesting troops could “shoot at their legs” if necessary.
These allegations were documented in Esper’s memoir, “A Sacred Oath,” which provided a critical account of the Trump administration’s response to the 2020 protests following George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police. Trump has repeatedly denied making such statements.
Earlier this month, Slotkin joined six other Democratic lawmakers with military and intelligence backgrounds in releasing a video urging service members to “not give up the ship” and to disregard illegal orders. In the video, they stated: “The threats to our Constitution aren’t just coming from abroad but from right here at home. Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders. No one has to carry out orders that violate the law or our Constitution.”
When questioned about what constituted “illegal acts,” several lawmakers referenced Trump’s alleged comments about shooting protesters in the legs, suggesting such actions would violate the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The group of lawmakers who appeared in the video alongside Slotkin included Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.), Rep. Chris Deluzio (D-Pa.), Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), and Rep. Maggie Goodlander (D-N.H.). All have military or intelligence backgrounds.
Wednesday’s shooting has placed these concerns in a new context. The FBI has identified the shooter as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who previously served on a counterterrorism team in Afghanistan. He is currently in custody facing first-degree murder charges.
Federal authorities have described the attack as targeted and are investigating it as a potential act of terrorism, though the shooter’s motives remain unclear. The incident has raised questions about domestic security and the safety of military personnel stationed within the United States.
The shooting comes at a politically sensitive time as the Trump administration prepares to return to power, with many Democrats already expressing concerns about how the president-elect might deploy federal forces during his second term. Some Republican critics have characterized the Democrats’ video as undermining military chain of command, while supporters defend it as a necessary reminder of constitutional obligations.
The National Guard, which operates under both state and federal authority depending on their activation status, plays a critical role in domestic security and emergency response. Wednesday’s attack represents a rare direct targeting of Guard personnel within U.S. borders.
As investigations continue into both the shooting and broader security concerns, Slotkin’s silence highlights the complex position Democratic lawmakers find themselves in as they balance their previous warnings about potential military misuse with the current reality of violence directed at service members.
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13 Comments
The use of military force against civilians is a very serious matter that deserves careful scrutiny. While the details of this incident are still unfolding, it’s important that all elected officials, regardless of party affiliation, work together to ensure transparency and accountability.
Well said. Avoiding partisan finger-pointing and focusing on the facts is the best way to find constructive solutions and prevent similar incidents in the future.
It’s troubling to hear about the shooting incident involving the National Guard. My condolences to the families affected. This highlights the need for clear communication and protocols around the use of military forces, to protect both civilians and service members.
Absolutely. Maintaining public trust in institutions like the military is crucial, especially during politically charged times. Thorough investigation and swift action to address any wrongdoing will be important moving forward.
I’m curious to learn more about the senator’s previous concerns over the potential use of military force against civilians. While the current incident is tragic, it’s important to avoid speculation and focus on the facts as they emerge.
Good point. The public deserves a transparent and impartial review of the events to understand what happened and why. Knee-jerk reactions, from any side, are unlikely to lead to constructive solutions.
This is a sensitive and complex issue that requires a measured response. I hope the authorities conduct a thorough investigation to determine the full facts and circumstances around the National Guard shooting. Maintaining public trust in institutions is crucial during challenging times.
This is a concerning situation that highlights the need for clear protocols and communication around the use of military forces. I hope the investigation provides a full understanding of what happened and why, so that appropriate measures can be taken to protect both civilians and service members.
This is a complex situation that requires a thoughtful and balanced response. While the safety of citizens is the top priority, the use of military force against civilians is an extremely serious matter that deserves careful scrutiny. I hope the investigation provides clarity and leads to constructive solutions.
The senator’s previous remarks about potential misuse of military force are certainly relevant here. While the current incident is tragic, it’s important to avoid rushing to judgment and instead allow for a thorough, impartial investigation to uncover the full facts.
I agree. Maintaining public trust in democratic institutions like the military is crucial, especially during politically charged times. A measured, fact-based response from all stakeholders will be key to addressing this issue effectively.
This is a complex and sensitive issue. While it’s concerning to hear about potential misuse of military force, we should wait for all the facts before jumping to conclusions. The safety and security of citizens is paramount, but political divisions can complicate the response.
I agree, it’s important to avoid partisan rhetoric and focus on the facts. Transparency and accountability from all officials involved will be key in ensuring the proper procedures were followed.