Slotkin goes silent on past “shoot at their legs” claim after DC National Guard attack, office declines comment
Sen. Elissa Slotkin declined to comment after a deadly November 26, 2025 attack on National Guard members in Washington, D.C., when reporters pressed her about past testimony that former President Donald Trump allegedly suggested “shoot at their legs.”
- Key takeaway: Slotkin has not answered reporters’ questions about her prior claim regarding Trump’s alleged remark about shooting protesters in the legs — Slotkin goes silent when pressed.
- Key takeaway: The lawmaker helped produce a November 2025 video urging troops and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders, which spurred accusations and an FBI inquiry.
- Key takeaway: A November 26 shooting in Washington killed one Guard member and critically wounded another; investigators are treating the incident as terrorism — coverage and updates.
The context: Slotkin’s claim about Trump and the Guard
In a January committee hearing, Sen. Slotkin recounted comments attributed to former Secretary of Defense Mark Esper, saying Mr. Trump had asked Esper to send the 82nd Airborne into Washington and, allegedly, asked, “if necessary, can’t you just ‘shoot at their legs?'” — reported link. Those remarks are described in Esper’s book, A Sacred Oath, which criticizes the first Trump administration. President Trump has denied making such statements — denial reported.
The November video initiative
In early November 2025, Slotkin joined six other Democrats in producing a video urging military and intelligence personnel to refuse unlawful orders. Participants included Senators and Representatives such as Mark Kelly, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan and Maggie Goodlander — coverage of participants.
Lawmakers said the video grew from concerns expressed privately by active-duty service members who feared being asked to carry out illegal domestic operations or covert missions. Slotkin said the effort was grounded in a duty to the Constitution: “You can refuse illegal orders. You must refuse illegal orders.” — Michigan Public report.
The DC National Guard attack and the questions it raised
On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, a shooting near a Guard staging area in Washington, D.C., left one National Guard member dead and another critically wounded. The FBI identified the suspect as 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal and said evidence suggested the attack was targeted; investigators have been treating the shooting as an act of terrorism — reporting and updates.
Slotkin’s silence and the unanswered questions
When reporters pressed Senator Slotkin about her earlier claim that Mr. Trump suggested shooting protesters in the legs, she offered no public answer. Multiple requests to her office seeking comment went unanswered — requests for comment. Her silence came as attention returned to the November video, prompting critics to ask whether lawmakers who produced the footage owe further explanation or apology if warnings are deemed to have stoked fear among service members.
Political fallout and the federal inquiry
The video drew an immediate and sharp response from former President Trump, who accused the lawmakers of “seditious behavior” and used language many viewed as inflammatory; he wrote that the behavior was “punishable by DEATH” before the White House later clarified he did not plan to execute members of Congress — Michigan Public coverage.
After the posts, Slotkin said she and other participants faced an FBI counterterrorism inquiry and reported a surge in death threats, including a bomb threat directed at her family farm. She also said her family experienced harassment — detailed report.
What sources say
- Fox News reported Slotkin’s silence when pressed and tied her prior testimony to statements in Mark Esper’s book — Fox News story.
- Michigan Public detailed the backlash, the FBI inquiry and the threats Slotkin said she received after the video, along with her defense — Michigan Public report.
- The FBI and local authorities provided updates on the D.C. shooting investigation as it unfolded; media reports identified the suspect and described the probe as terrorism-related — coverage.
Implications for Las Vegas, Nevada
Local leaders in Las Vegas and Clark County face a mix of economic, political and social concerns should public anxiety grow about using military forces in U.S. cities or threats to Guard members. Tourism-dependent sectors may call for deeper security reviews for conventions and large events; community groups serving veterans could see increased demand for counseling and security resources.
Practical steps suggested include reviewing emergency plans that involve the Guard, clarifying communication about when the Guard would be used, and preparing protections for service members and their families. Local elected officials — including Senators and Representatives from Nevada — may also face constituent pressure to comment or act.
Reporting notes and sources
This article draws on reporting by Fox News and Michigan Public Radio, which detailed Slotkin’s earlier testimony, the November 2025 video urging troops to refuse illegal orders, the D.C. shooting and the aftermath, including an FBI inquiry and threats against the lawmakers involved — Fox News; Michigan Public.
Requests for comment
Senator Slotkin’s office did not respond to multiple requests for comment about her past statements after the D.C. attack — requests logged. CNN reached out to other involved offices and federal agencies for reaction and will update reporting as new information becomes available.
