James Comer says DC guard shooting shows ‘we do need more National Guard troops’

WASHINGTON, DC: Rep. James Comer (R-KY) voiced strong support for President Donald Trump's decision to deploy an additional 500 National Guard members to Washington, DC, after two soldiers were shot and injured by an Afghan national who was reportedly living in the country illegally.

Comer argued that the incident underscored the need for a larger National Guard presence in the capital. He attributed the situation in part to what he described as the Democratic Party’s “anti-police officer rhetoric,” which he said contributed to local law enforcement departures and a weakened police force in the city.

James Comer backs troop surge after DC guard shooting

Appearing on Fox News’ The Ingraham Angle on Wednesday, November 26, Rep. James Comer supported the heightened deployment of National Guard troops. President Trump had announced the increase earlier that day, calling for 500 additional Guardsmen to bolster security in the capital.

Comer’s remarks came just hours after two National Guard members were shot and injured. He appeared alongside Rep. Buddy Carter (R-GA) during the segment. Speaking to guest host Jason Chaffetz, Comer said, “We do need more National Guard troops in Washington, DC, Jason. You know, and Buddy Carter knows how dangerous Washington, DC is.”

Law enforcement sources later identified the suspect as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who allegedly overstayed his visa after entering the United States during President Joe Biden’s administration. After the shooting, President Trump said the “animal” responsible would “pay a very steep price.”

James Comer blames Democratic rhetoric for rising risks to troops

Comer strongly criticized recent statements from Democratic lawmakers who oppose deploying National Guard troops into American cities. Before his interview, Fox News aired clips of Democratic leaders speaking against such deployments, including Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL) and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), who said the presence of Guard troops was intended to “terrorize” communities.

Comer pushed back sharply, saying that rhetoric like this “puts troops in peril.” He argued that discouraging or undermining law enforcement and the National Guard creates an environment where service members become vulnerable to violence.

James Comer links DC policing crisis to liberal justice reforms

The Kentucky representative also pointed to structural issues within the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, DC. He argued that various local criminal justice reforms made it “nearly impossible for local cops to defend themselves,” leading to low morale and significant losses in police personnel.

Comer said the “liberal metro council” passed too many criminal justice reform measures and that the consequences have been severe. “The morale was so low in the Washington, DC Police Force that many officers went to other cities,” he said. “They didn’t want to be in Washington, DC, so they have a problem getting the number of police officers that they need.”