Sen. Mark Kelly Faces Criticism After Remarks on National Guardsmen Shooting
Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) is receiving backlash for his response to a social media post expressing concern for the families of two West Virginia National Guardsmen who were shot and killed in Washington, D.C. Recently, Kelly referred to the incident as “horrific” and expressed gratitude to first responders for apprehending the suspect. This reaction followed a video he and other Democrats released, urging military personnel to disregard directives from President Donald Trump.
The shooting involved three individuals, including the two National Guard soldiers, occurring just a day before Thanksgiving. In his post, Kelly conveyed his shock, saying, “This is horrifying. My thoughts are with the families of these two National Guard members who lost their lives in the line of duty the day before Thanksgiving. I thank the first responders who took the suspects into custody.”
A press release from November 13 indicated that Kelly, along with Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), introduced the No Street Presence Act aiming to limit the Trump Administration’s power to deploy the National Guard in domestic situations.
Critics have pointed out the irony of Kelly’s comments, suggesting his previous assertions regarding military orders may have contributed to the environment in which these guards were targeted. Podcaster Tim Poole noted a consistent argument from Democrats concerning the legality of Trump’s deployment orders. In a post, he referenced how military personnel were told to “disobey illegal orders.” Similarly, opinion editor Kenny Cody remarked, “You told people not to follow the president. There’s blood on your hands, Mark.”
Conservative commentator Jack Posobiec labeled Kelly’s response a “shameful resignation.” Former Arizona Republican Senate candidate Blake Masters criticized Kelly for allegedly undermining the legitimacy of the president’s orders, asserting that it could have severe consequences.
In the aftermath of the shooting, Slotkin also released a statement offering prayers and strength to those affected, including the families and fellow security personnel of the guardsmen.
