A National Guard Member Was Shot in Washington, D.C.
The incident at a traffic checkpoint is under investigation by metropolitan police.
In the early hours of Wednesday, June 5, 2024, a member of the District of Columbia National Guard was shot while carrying out routine duties at a traffic checkpoint in Washington, D.C. The incident occurred at around 3:30 a.m., a time when the streets near the National Mall are generally quiet except for essential security operations. The wounded soldier sustained non-life-threatening injuries and, according to officials, is expected to make a full recovery.
The shooting took place near the intersection of 14th Street and Independence Avenue SW, an area that routinely becomes part of broader security perimeters during major national events. Located close to the U.S. Department of Agriculture and several federal buildings, this intersection often requires heightened monitoring whenever large gatherings, demonstrations, or dignitary movements are expected in the vicinity. On Wednesday morning, National Guard personnel were assisting the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) with managing vehicle flow through this checkpoint.
According to preliminary details shared by MPD, the incident unfolded when a vehicle approached the security point where the Guardsman was stationed. As part of their duties, National Guard members at such checkpoints help direct traffic, confirm access routes, and ensure vehicles move safely through designated areas. While the exact cause remains under investigation, police stated that an occupant inside the approaching vehicle fired at least one round, striking the soldier unexpectedly.
Emergency responders on the scene immediately moved to assist the wounded Guardsman. Within minutes, medical personnel transported the soldier to a nearby hospital. Officials later confirmed that the injuries were not life-threatening, bringing some relief to colleagues, loved ones, and community members who quickly learned of the incident. The D.C. National Guard issued a brief statement acknowledging the shooting and confirming the soldier was receiving appropriate medical care.
Later in the day, D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith provided an update on the developing investigation. She emphasized that authorities are working diligently to piece together the events leading up to the shooting. “We are actively investigating the circumstances that led to this shooting,” she said. “Our officers and partners put their safety on the line every day, and an attack on one of them is an attack on all of us.” Her remarks reflected the seriousness with which law enforcement agencies treat violence against those tasked with protecting public safety.
Immediately following the incident, police closed off the surrounding streets to collect evidence and maintain the integrity of the crime scene. Investigators worked through the morning, examining the area, marking shell casings, and reviewing nearby security cameras for any footage that could help identify the vehicle or the shooter. As of now, detectives have not publicly released a description of the suspects or vehicle, but they continue to follow leads and encourage the public to come forward with information.
In keeping with standard procedures, authorities have not released the name of the injured Guardsman. The National Guard and MPD both noted that protecting the soldier’s privacy is an important part of their policy until more details about the investigation emerge or until the service member chooses to speak publicly. Officials reiterated their commitment to supporting the soldier and their family during the recovery process.
The shooting has once again highlighted the critical role that National Guard personnel play in domestic support missions. In the nation’s capital, Guardsmen are routinely activated to assist local agencies during high-profile events, including presidential inaugurations, major marches, holidays, and large public gatherings. Their presence allows sworn police officers to focus on more complex law enforcement tasks, while Guardsmen help manage crowds, control traffic, and maintain perimeter security.
Although such deployments are not new, Wednesday’s event underscores the risks these service members can face even during seemingly routine tasks. While their duties often appear administrative or supportive, incidents like this demonstrate how quickly an ordinary checkpoint can become dangerous. The last widely publicized attack on National Guard personnel in Washington occurred during the January 6th Capitol breach, a reminder of the unpredictable environments in which these citizen-soldiers sometimes operate.
Local government leaders responded promptly to the news. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed her gratitude that the Guardsman is expected to recover, while also condemning the violent act. “This incident is a stark reminder of the risks our protectors face every day,” she said. “We stand firmly with our National Guard and our police officers who work tirelessly to keep our city safe.” Her statement echoed the sentiments of many residents who have grown familiar with the visible presence of Guardsmen during major events.
At the federal level, both the White House and the Pentagon were briefed shortly after the shooting. A spokesperson for the Department of Defense reaffirmed that the safety of service members—whether deployed abroad or working within U.S. borders—remains a top priority. The Pentagon indicated it is in close communication with MPD and the D.C. National Guard as the investigation continues.
As authorities move forward, the incident is likely to prompt a review of current checkpoint procedures, especially regarding the safety of personnel who serve in support roles but are not full-time law enforcement officers. While officials have not announced immediate policy changes, such evaluations commonly follow serious security breaches.
For now, the community awaits additional information from MPD as investigators work to identify the suspects and determine what led to this sudden act of violence. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is encouraged to contact police and assist with the ongoing investigation.
About the Creator
Saad
I’m Saad. I’m a passionate writer who loves exploring trending news topics, sharing insights, and keeping readers updated on what’s happening around the world.
What Is the Old Name of Turkey? A Journey Through History, Empires, and Identity
When people hear the name Turkey, they often think of a modern nation bridging Europe and Asia, rich with culture, cuisine, and history. But Turkey’s land has carried many names long before it became the Republic of Türkiye in the 20th century. Understanding the old names of Turkey is more than a geography lesson—it is a journey through ancient civilizations, powerful empires, and shifting identities that shaped the world. Anatolia: The Earliest Known Name The oldest and most widely used historical name for much of modern-day Turkey is Anatolia. Derived from the Greek word Anatolē, meaning “the east” or “sunrise,” Anatolia referred to the lands east of mainland Greece. For ancient Greeks, this region was literally where the sun rose. Anatolia was not a single kingdom but a vast region that hosted some of the world’s earliest civilizations, including the Hittites, Phrygians, Lydians, and Urartians. Archaeological discoveries show that Anatolia was a cradle of early human settlement, agriculture, and trade, making it one of the most historically dense regions on Earth. Even today, historians and scholars frequently use “Anatolia” to describe Turkey’s Asian portion, which makes up about 97% of the country. Asia Minor: A Roman and Byzantine Label Another well-known old name for Turkey is Asia Minor. This term was popularized during the Roman and Byzantine Empires to distinguish the region from the larger continent of Asia. “Asia Minor” literally means “Lesser Asia,” emphasizing its role as a western extension of the Asian landmass. Under Roman and later Byzantine rule, Asia Minor became a hub of administration, commerce, and Christianity. Many early Christian communities, councils, and churches—mentioned in biblical texts—were located in this region. Cities like Ephesus, Smyrna, and Nicaea were central to religious and political life for centuries. Constantinople and the Byzantine Identity While the land itself had regional names, the capital city—Constantinople—often symbolized the entire territory. Founded by Roman Emperor Constantine the Great in 330 AD, Constantinople became the heart of the Byzantine Empire. For over a thousand years, the Byzantine Empire ruled much of what is now Turkey, blending Roman governance, Greek culture, and Christian theology. During this period, the region was not called Turkey at all, as the term “Turk” had not yet become dominant in Anatolia. The Arrival of the Turks and the Name “Turkey” The name Turkey comes from the word “Turk”, referring to the Turkic peoples who migrated from Central Asia. After the Battle of Manzikert in 1071, Seljuk Turks defeated the Byzantine army, opening Anatolia to Turkish settlement. Over time, European sources began referring to the region as “Turcia” or “Turkey,” meaning “the land of the Turks.” This marked a major shift in identity—from a Greco-Roman-Christian region to a predominantly Turkic and Muslim one. The Ottoman Empire: A Global Power Without the Name “Turkey” Interestingly, during the height of Turkish power, the state was not officially called Turkey. Instead, it was known as the Ottoman Empire, named after its founder Osman I. From the late 13th century until the early 20th century, the Ottoman Empire controlled vast territories across Europe, Asia, and Africa. Ottoman rulers referred to their realm as the Devlet-i Aliyye-i Osmaniye (The Sublime Ottoman State). However, European diplomats and writers still casually referred to the empire’s core lands as Turkey, reinforcing the name internationally. From Ottoman Empire to the Republic of Turkey After World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led a successful independence movement. In 1923, the modern Republic of Turkey was officially established. This marked the first time “Turkey” became the formal name of the state, symbolizing a break from imperial rule and the beginning of a secular, nation-based identity. In recent years, the country has also emphasized the spelling “Türkiye” internationally to reflect its native pronunciation and cultural identity. Why These Old Names Still Matter The old names of Turkey—Anatolia, Asia Minor, Byzantine lands, and Ottoman domains—tell a story of continuity and transformation. They reveal how geography, culture, religion, and power shape national identity over time. Turkey is not just a modern nation-state; it is a living archive of human civilization. Each old name represents a chapter in its long and complex story, making Turkey one of the most historically layered countries in the world. Final Thoughts So, what is the old name of Turkey? The answer depends on the era. From Anatolia and Asia Minor to Byzantine territories and the Ottoman Empire, Turkey has worn many names—each reflecting the people and powers of its time. Understanding these names helps us appreciate Turkey not just as a country, but as a crossroads of civilizations that continues to influence global history today.
By Fiaz Ahmed Brohi3 days ago in The Swamp
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