Troops' Safety Concerns Before Deadly Shooting

A recent shooting in Washington, D. C. , left two National Guard members fighting for their lives. This event, while shocking to many, was not entirely unexpected by some. Members of the California National Guard, who were deployed earlier this year to support immigration enforcement, had expressed worries about their safety. One soldier, with six years of service, shared that the assignment made them more vulnerable to both shooting civilians and being targeted themselves. This concern was not isolated. Other California Guard members also shared similar fears. These worries were known beyond California, reaching all the way to the nation's capital. The shooting occurred around 2:15 p. m. near the White House, according to the Washington Metropolitan Police Department. A lone gunman critically injured two members of the West Virginia National Guard. The incident raises questions about the safety measures in place for National Guard members, especially during high-profile assignments.