Slotkin Silent on Past ‘Shoot at Their Legs’ Claims After D.C. Guard Shooting, Raising Questions About Military Orders
Sen. Elissa Slotkin has come under scrutiny after remaining silent about past warnings that former President Trump asked whether troops could “shoot at their legs,” following a deadly Washington D.C. National Guard shooting that raised questions about military orders.
- Allegation origin: Slotkin’s warnings stem from an account in former Defense Secretary Mark Esper’s memoir reported by Fox News.
- D.C. attack: A National Guard member was killed and another critically injured; the FBI is treating the shooting as terrorism and has identified a suspect, per reporting.
- Policy action and backlash: Slotkin helped release a video urging service members to refuse unlawful orders and introduced the No Troops in Our Streets Act.
Senator Slotkin’s past warnings and the Esper account
Background: Sen. Elissa Slotkin, a former intelligence and Pentagon official, has repeatedly warned that a president could seek to use military force against U.S. civilians. Those warnings cite an episode described by former Defense Secretary Mark Esper in his memoir A Sacred Oath, in which President Trump allegedly asked if troops could be used to control protests and even asked whether they could “just ‘shoot at their legs?'” — an account that Slotkin has used to underscore the risk of unlawful orders. Reporting on this account is available from Fox News.
Legal duty and military guidance
Slotkin and other lawmakers with military or intelligence backgrounds have pointed to the Uniform Code of Military Justice and long-standing legal principles that require service members to refuse orders that are unlawful or unconstitutional. They emphasize that urging refusal of illegal commands is a reminder of duty, not a call to disobey lawful directives.
The “Don’t Give Up the Ship” video and the push to refuse unlawful orders
What happened: In late 2025, Slotkin and six other Democratic lawmakers released a short video addressed to military and intelligence personnel urging them to refuse illegal or unconstitutional orders. Participants included Sen. Mark Kelly and Reps. Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan and Maggie Goodlander.
Lawmakers said they produced the video after active-duty personnel privately expressed fear about being asked to follow unlawful directives. The video was described by supporters as a reminder of legal duties; the White House criticized it as encouraging insubordination, with President Trump calling the lawmakers’ actions “seditious,” which amplified partisan tension and threats. Coverage of the controversy is documented by Michigan Public Radio and Fox News.
Recent D.C. shooting, Slotkin’s silence and inquiries
The incident: A shooting in Washington left one National Guard member dead and another critically wounded. Authorities identified the suspect as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a U.S. resident and former Afghan counterterrorism team member; the FBI described the attack as targeted and is investigating it as an act of terrorism. See reporting.
Reporters pressed Sen. Slotkin on whether her earlier warnings and the Esper allegation relate to the D.C. attack. According to reporting, Slotkin did not answer those questions and her office did not respond to multiple requests for comment, leaving critics to demand clarification while supporters urge caution against conflating distinct events without evidence.
Elissa Slotkin FBI investigation, Trump’s reaction and security threats
FBI notification: After the video release and White House backlash, Slotkin said she was notified that the FBI opened a counterterrorism inquiry involving her and five other House and Senate Democrats. President Trump’s public condemnation as “seditious” coincided with a spike in threats against Slotkin and her family, including a bomb threat at the family farm, which she has said prompted heightened concern for safety and security. See Michigan Public Radio.
Legislative response: No Troops in Our Streets Act
Slotkin introduced the No Troops in Our Streets Act to limit domestic deployments of the National Guard and federal forces for policing. The bill, co-sponsored by Sens. Mark Kelly, Tammy Duckworth, Richard Blumenthal and Ron Wyden, is framed as a civil liberties protection to prevent misuse of military power on U.S. soil. More details are available from Slotkin’s office.
Reporting standards and source notes
Much of the public debate rests on written recollections — notably Mark Esper’s memoir — and statements from participants. Trump has denied making the “shoot at their legs” comment. Readers should note that such accounts involve disputed memories and secondhand reporting; careful sourcing and transparency matter. See initial reporting at Fox News and follow-up coverage at Michigan Public Radio.
Implications for San Luis Obispo, California
Economic: San Luis Obispo County hosts several National Guard units; changes to domestic deployment policy could affect local housing, spending, and training schedules.
Political: Local officials and candidates may be pressed to clarify positions on civil liberties versus law-and-order roles for military forces in domestic events.
Social & cultural: The debate can heighten anxiety among immigrant and Muslim communities and draw veterans and activists into town halls, op-eds, and community forums focused on protecting rights while ensuring safety.
Practical: Residents should expect increased local briefings; families connected to the Guard may seek unit guidance on legal protections; emergency planners could review coordination protocols.
Requests for comment and unanswered questions
Reporters asked Slotkin’s office whether she plans to clarify her earlier warnings in light of the D.C. shooting; her office did not respond to multiple requests. That silence leaves open questions about whether Slotkin will offer new public guidance or link her prior statements to the recent attack. Critics call for clarity; supporters caution against speculative connections.
Ongoing investigation
The FBI continues to investigate the D.C. shooting and the motives of the identified suspect. At the same time, the counterterrorism inquiry notification and the political fight over the video remain active topics in Washington. As investigations proceed, debates over constitutional safeguards and public safety are likely to continue.
Sources and further reading
- Fox News reporting on Slotkin’s silence and the D.C. shooting
- Michigan Public Radio on Slotkin’s FBI notification and threats
- Slotkin’s office on the No Troops in Our Streets Act
“The duty of service members is to decline unlawful orders,” lawmakers with military backgrounds have emphasized — a central contention in the current political and legal debate.
