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.

Analysis: Tensions Over Military Use and Lawmakers' Statements

Senator Elissa Slotkin’s previous remarks about resisting presidential orders to deploy military forces against civilians are gaining renewed attention amid the tragic events of this week in Washington, D.C. On Wednesday, a shooting claimed the life of one National Guard member and left another critically injured, raising concerns over the role of federal troops and the potential for escalating violence. While Slotkin has not commented on the incident or her past statements, her previous warnings regarding military actions are now highly relevant in light of these developments.

Slotkin, along with other Democratic lawmakers, has consistently voiced concerns over the use of federal troops to suppress civil unrest. Her comments stemmed from an alleged conversation between President Donald Trump and former Defense Secretary Mark Esper during the height of protests following George Floyd’s death. Trump reportedly suggested sending the 82nd Airborne to Washington, D.C., to quell protests and even allegedly asked, “Can’t you just shoot at their legs?” While Trump has denied making such statements, the exchange was documented in Esper’s memoir and became a focal point for Slotkin and others advocating for limits on military engagement in civilian matters.

The ongoing investigation into the shooting has only intensified these concerns. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national, was arrested in connection with the attack and charged with first-degree murder. Authorities are treating the incident as a potential act of terrorism, though the motive remains unclear. This development raises questions about the growing presence of military personnel in domestic situations, especially when tensions between law enforcement and civilians are already high.

In light of these events, Slotkin and several of her colleagues in Congress recently released a video urging military and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders. The video emphasized the importance of upholding the Constitution and the Uniform Code of Military Justice, specifically highlighting Trump's alleged remark as an example of an unlawful order. This statement underscores the growing divide between political leadership and military autonomy, especially in times of national crisis.

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• Slotkin goes silent when pressed on past Trump guard ‘shooting’ claims after DC attack