Representative criticizes Trump administration regarding public safety following D.C. shooting

Concerns Over Public Safety Raised Following DC Shooting

Rep. James Walkinshaw, a Democrat from Virginia, has criticized the Trump administration for allegedly neglecting public safety after a mass shooting incident in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

In the early hours of Wednesday, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were seriously injured in a shooting close to the White House. Authorities suspect the incident was targeted and the FBI is now investigating it as a potential act of terrorism.

During his segment on CNN’s “The Lead with Jake Tapper,” Walkinshaw was questioned about whether the recent violence affected his views on the safety of National Guard personnel currently stationed in the city.

“Well, as I’ve said, most of us on the Democratic side think that having the National Guard in our cities is not ideal,” Walkinshaw responded. “But if they are going to be deployed, it’s crucial that the administration has a solid plan in place for their safety. One of my concerns as a new member of the Homeland Security Committee is that the Trump administration seems to be ignoring key security issues while redirecting resources toward mass deportation efforts.”

He pointed out that there is a concerning trend of diverting focus away from crucial issues like illegal gun trafficking and combating both domestic and international terrorism. “They need a moment to pause and really consider what keeps us safe here in the U.S.,” he added.

Walkinshaw emphasized again that he doesn’t believe the National Guard should be in Washington and urged the administration to allocate these resources more effectively. “The federal government has many options to enhance safety in D.C. and other cities. For instance, they could do more to target illegal gun trafficking and human trafficking. These are pressing issues that deserve attention, and shifting focus from them may not be in the best interest of public safety,” he stated.

Law enforcement confirmed to Fox News Digital that the shooter, identified as Rahmanullah Rakanwal, is a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the U.S. in 2021.