Slotkin’s Silence After Guard Shooting Draws Scrutiny as FBI Probes Threats
Sen. Elissa Slotkin refused to comment Friday when reporters pressed her about past warnings that President Trump allegedly suggested using force against civilians, as she faces an FBI inquiry and a wave of death threats after a recruiting video and a fatal Guard shooting in D.C.
- Slotkin declined to answer reporters’ questions about earlier warnings she cited from Mark Esper’s memoir following a deadly shooting of a National Guard member. Fox News
- The D.C. attack left one Guard member dead and another critically wounded; the suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, is in custody and the FBI is treating the incident as a possible act of terrorism. Fox News
- Slotkin says an FBI counterterrorism inquiry and a surge of threats followed a video urging service members to refuse illegal orders. Michigan Public Radio
- President Trump denied the reported comments and called the video “seditious,” drawing heated responses and political debate. Michigan Public Radio
Background: the D.C. shooting and investigation
On Wednesday, a shooter opened fire on National Guard troops in Washington, killing one and critically injuring another. Federal authorities identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, a former member of an Afghan counterterrorism team now facing first-degree murder charges. The FBI has described the attack as targeted and is probing it as a possible act of terrorism. Fox News
The incident renewed scrutiny of prior congressional warnings about the potential misuse of federal soldiers in domestic settings. Lawmakers and law enforcement are examining motive, any ties to threats against service members, and whether the shooter acted alone or as part of a broader plot. The FBI investigation is ongoing as prosecutors review evidence and prepare charges. Fox News
Slotkin’s past warnings and the Esper account
Sen. Slotkin has repeatedly warned that, during his first term, President Trump suggested aggressive measures to control protests. She cited passages from former Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s memoir, A Sacred Oath, which reported that Trump asked whether he could send the 82nd Airborne to Washington and whether troops could “shoot at their legs” to disperse demonstrators. Slotkin used those reports to urge caution and to stress that service members should insist on lawful orders. Fox News
Trump has denied making those statements, leaving the matter disputed. Republicans have used the episode to criticize Slotkin’s messaging, while Democrats defend her focus on legal limits and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
The video, Trump’s response, and threats against Slotkin
In early November, Slotkin joined six other Democratic lawmakers in a short video urging military and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders. The clip emphasized:
“Our laws are clear: You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders.”
The video was aimed at service members who privately expressed concerns about being asked to carry out unlawful actions. Michigan Public Radio and ABC News
President Trump labeled the video “seditious behavior” on social media, language that amplified online backlash and required later clarification from the White House. Slotkin says the posts and public condemnation preceded a surge of threats against her and her family, including a bomb threat at her family farm, prompting an FBI counterterrorism inquiry. Michigan Public Radio
Why reporters pressed Slotkin — and why she went silent
Reporters asked Slotkin to reconcile her prior warnings about possible orders to shoot civilians with the recent D.C. shooting that targeted National Guard troops. Critics argue her public warnings could be perceived as alarmist; supporters maintain she raised legitimate legal and ethical concerns about civilian control of the military. When pressed about the timing and content of her warnings in light of the D.C. attack, Slotkin declined to comment, and her office did not answer multiple follow-up requests. Fox News
The silence carries political consequences: Republicans have highlighted the FBI inquiry and her refusal to answer as evidence of poor judgment, while Democrats argue the focus should remain on protecting service members and ensuring adherence to the law. Michigan Public Radio
Implications for The High Desert, California
Economic impact
- National Guard presence: Many High Desert residents serve in the California National Guard or have family who do. National discussions about threats or policy changes could affect training schedules, weekend duty and state resources, and local businesses serving Guard families.
- Security spending and grants: Heightened concerns may prompt requests for more funding for local law enforcement or support services—potentially directing federal or state grant dollars to San Bernardino County programs affecting the High Desert.
Political consequences
- Voter attitudes: The episode may influence local voters who value military service; candidates could use the issue to frame debates on civil-military relations and protections for service members.
- Representative accountability: Constituents may call on their representatives to clarify rules governing domestic use of forces and how elected officials should discuss service members publicly.
Social effects
- Community safety and morale: The killing of a National Guard member and the stream of threats create anxiety among military families; community organizations and veteran groups may increase outreach and counseling.
- Threats and extremism: Political rhetoric can translate into real-world threats; local officials should be alert to copycat threats, harassment, or targeted messaging and coordinate with federal partners.
Cultural relevance
Patriotism and service: The High Desert’s culture of supporting the armed forces means debates about urging troops to refuse orders touch on local values about duty, lawful conduct and civilian oversight of the military.
Practical applications for residents
- Stay informed: Follow updates from trustworthy outlets and official statements from the FBI and Department of Defense; initial reporting is available from Michigan Public Radio and ABC News.
- Support Guard families: Organize local networks and outreach for service members and families feeling threatened or isolated.
- Contact representatives: Ask members of Congress how they will protect service members and ensure lawful civilian control of the military.
- Report threats: Notify local law enforcement and the FBI of any threats or concerning online activity.
Sources and reporting notes
This article draws on reporting from Fox News on Slotkin’s silence and the D.C. shooting; Michigan Public Radio on the FBI inquiry and threats; and ABC News on defenses of the video and legal basis cited by lawmakers. Slotkin’s office did not reply to multiple requests for comment about her prior warnings and their timing relative to the D.C. shooting. Fox News
Reporting continues as investigations proceed.
