House Republican Blames Democrats for Shooting of National Guard Members by Calling Them 'Stormtroopers' and 'Occupation Forces'

Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) suggested that the Wednesday attack on two National Guard soldiers may be influenced by the rhetoric of Democratic leaders. Tenney, who previously proposed making President Donald Trumps birthday a national holiday, spoke to Fox News on Thursday following the incident in Washington, D.C.

The victims, National Guard members Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Beckstrom, 20, were shot in the city. Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, from Washington State, was arrested shortly after the shooting.

Tenney referred to the soldiers as heroes and criticized Democratic politicians for their language toward law enforcement, especially during Trumps deployment of the National Guard to cities in efforts to address crime.

"This is just what happens when the other side labels National Guardsmenwho are doing an outstanding job keeping the District of Columbia safe for residents, commuters, and familiesas stormtroopers or occupation forces," Tenney said. "It continues the movement to defund and demoralize the police, initiated by figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who vilify those serving in uniform."

Tenneys reference to stormtroopers appears to echo comments by Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) regarding federal agents sent to Portland, Oregon, in 2020. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had described National Guard deployment as an authoritarian push, with similar language used by other lawmakers.

"These are American heroes," Tenney told Fox News. "They answer the call to serve, balancing civilian jobs with duties in uniform. Its tragic that something like this could occur, and as a member of the intelligence committee, we will examine this further."

Footage of Tenneys remarks was aired on Fox News.

Analysis: Political Rhetoric and Its Impact on National Guard Safety

The recent attack on two National Guard soldiers in Washington, D.C., has sparked political debate, with Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY) pointing to the potential influence of inflammatory rhetoric from Democratic leaders. The victims, Andrew Wolfe, 24, and Sarah Beckstrom, 20, were targeted while serving in the District of Columbia. Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, was arrested in connection with the shooting. Tenney’s remarks, made shortly after the incident, have stirred both support and criticism.

Tenney framed the attack as a consequence of the ongoing demonization of law enforcement, particularly the National Guard. Her comments, which followed the shooting, blamed the rhetoric from progressive figures such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nancy Pelosi, who have previously criticized National Guard deployments. She argued that the derogatory language used to describe these soldiers—such as calling them "stormtroopers"—contributes to a culture that undermines the authority and morale of law enforcement. In this context, she also pointed to the broader movement to defund the police and demoralize public service personnel.

While Tenney's argument may resonate with some of her supporters, it is important to critically assess the broader implications of her claims. The reference to "stormtroopers," originally used by Pelosi in relation to federal agents in Portland, Oregon, reflects a contentious political divide. However, it is unclear if such rhetoric directly influenced the actions of the assailant in this specific case. Nonetheless, the debate underscores the risks posed by divisive political speech, which can inadvertently escalate tensions in an already polarized climate.

As investigations into the shooting continue, it remains essential to balance the need for accountability in political discourse with the protection of those who serve in uniform. The tragic incident has not only drawn attention to the safety of National Guard members but also highlighted the ongoing friction between political leaders over the role of law enforcement in American society.

Sources:

• House Republican Says Shooting of National Guard Members ‘Is What Happens’ When Democrats Call Them ‘Stormtroopers’ and ‘Occupation Forces’