Slotkin refuses to comment on previous claims about Trump guard 'shooting' after DC attack

Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) did not comment Friday when questioned about earlier statements suggesting that government officials should resist any presidential order to deploy the military against civilians. Her office did not respond to repeated inquiries.

Democrats, including Slotkin, now face renewed concern following a shooting on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., which resulted in the death of one National Guard member and left another critically injured.

Concerns Over Federal Troops and Past Statements

Slotkins previous warnings stemmed from remarks President Donald Trump allegedly made to former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper during his first term. In a January committee hearing, Slotkin said Trump asked Esper about sending the 82nd Airborne to Washington, D.C., to suppress peaceful protests and reportedly suggested, cant you just shoot at their legs?

These comments were documented by Esper in his memoir, A Sacred Oath, which critically examines the Trump administration. Trump has denied making such statements. The context arose amid nationwide protests after George Floyds killing in 2020, which sparked the Black Lives Matter movement.

Democrats Release Video Urging Troops to Reject Illegal Orders

Slotkin and six other Democratic lawmakers released a video earlier in November calling on military and intelligence personnel to refuse unlawful orders. The threats to our Constitution arent just coming from abroad but from right here at home, the video stated. 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.

The lawmakers highlighted Trumps alleged remark about shooting protesters as an example of an illegal act under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. Participants in the video 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.).

Investigation Into Washington Shooting

Authorities are still determining the motive behind Wednesdays attack. The FBI identified the shooter as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national and former member of a counterterrorism unit in Afghanistan. He is currently in custody, facing first-degree murder charges, and the incident is being investigated as a potential act of terrorism.

Author: Sophia Brooks