Sen. Slotkin does not respond to Trump’s remarks about the shooting following the D.C. attack

Slotkin Silent on Past Comments Amid National Guard Shooting Fallout

Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan didn’t comment on Friday when questioned about earlier remarks implying that government officials might need to resist President Donald Trump’s orders concerning military actions against civilians.

Currently, Slotkin and her fellow Democrats are confronting the reality of those concerns, particularly in light of the recent mass shooting in Washington that resulted in one National Guard member’s death and left another critically injured.

Her office has not provided any responses to several inquiries for comments.

Virginia Democrat Blames Trump Administration for Neglecting Public Safety

Slotkin’s previous warnings were based on comments from Trump to former Defense Secretary Mark Esper during his first term. In January, she referenced a moment when Trump allegedly suggested to Esper that the 82nd Airborne should be deployed to Washington, stating, “Could we shoot them in the foot?” if necessary.

These remarks were documented by Esper as part of a review addressing reactions to protests following the death of George Floyd. That incident in 2020 ignited widespread demonstrations and brought significant attention to the Black Lives Matter movement.

This quote is noted in Esper’s memoir, *Sacred Vows*, which critically assesses the Trump administration.

Trump, however, has denied making such statements.

Concerns Over Military Orders Highlighted by Democrats

Following Trump’s alleged comments and additional queries about his use of federal forces, Slotkin and six other Democratic lawmakers released a video in November, urging military personnel to “not abandon ship.” They encouraged those in the military and intelligence sectors to disregard any illegal orders.

“Threats to our Constitution come from both foreign and domestic sources,” they stated. “The law is explicit: unlawful orders must be rejected. Nobody should have to act on commands that violate the law or the Constitution.”

When pressed on what they meant by illegal orders, several lawmakers referred to Trump’s comments about shooting a protester, claiming such orders contravened military law.

Besides Slotkin, the video included Senators Mark Kelly and various representatives from both parties.

Investigations Following the Shooting

The motive behind the recent shooting remains uncertain. The FBI has identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Rakanwal, a former member of Afghanistan’s counterterrorism unit, who is now in custody facing first-degree murder charges.