National Guard Member Ticketed After D.C. Vehicle Collision Amidst Crime Initiative Deployment

A member of the National Guard received a traffic ticket for failing to stop at a red light in Washington, D.C., following a collision with a civilian vehicle. This incident occurred amidst the deployment of Guard forces in the capital city, a response to President Trump's initiative to address crime.

The collision happened early Wednesday morning in the Capitol Hill neighborhood. A convoy of five National Guard vehicles was traveling through the area when one of the trucks, a Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected All-Terrain Vehicle, struck a civilian car. Emergency services were called to the scene.

The driver of the civilian car sustained minor injuries and required assistance from the D.C. Fire Department to be extricated from the vehicle. The driver of the Guard vehicle was subsequently issued a traffic ticket for running a red light.

Army Col. Larry Doane, commander of the joint task force for D.C., stated that the well-being of those involved was the priority. He expressed gratitude for the response of local police and emergency services, emphasizing the importance of safety. The military will take action based on the investigation.

The deployment of National Guard personnel in Washington, D.C. began the previous week, following President Trump's directive to address what he described as a rise in crime. The D.C. Guard, under presidential control, was ordered to participate. Federal agents have also been active in the city, and the President has asserted control over the local police department.

As of Wednesday, nearly 2,000 Guard personnel were active in the capital. These included members of the D.C. National Guard and forces from six states. The Joint Task Force confirmed that Guard members may be armed, depending on their mission and training, and operate under civilian law enforcement.

Guard forces and heavy military vehicles have been observed throughout the city, including near Union Station and the Washington Monument.

Local officials have expressed concerns about the deployment, arguing it is unnecessary. Data from local police indicates a decline in violent crime over the past year and a half, despite the President's claims of increasing crime rates.