Florida Lawmaker Denounces 'Heinous' Shooting of National Guardsmen in DC

Shooting of National Guardsmen

• 💔 Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot in Washington D.C. near the White House.
• ⚠️ The governor of West Virginia initially declared the guardsmen dead but later retracted the statement.
• 🗣️ President Trump condemned the shooting, stating the perpetrator would "pay a very steep price."

Congressman Gimenez's Reaction

• 😔 Congressman Carlos Gimenez called the act a tragedy and a heinous act, expressing thoughts and prayers for the guardsmen and their families.
• ❓ He noted that if the shooting was targeted, the motivation needs to be understood, but cautioned against speculation early on.
• 🔒 Gimenez stated that preventing such an attack by a lone gunman who approaches soldiers and begins shooting is impossible.

Security and Crime in D.C.

• 📈 D.C. leaders acknowledge that crime has gone down in the city, partly due to the National Guard's presence.
• 🛡️ Gimenez recalled that before the National Guard's deployment, D.C. was a crimeridden city where even members of Congress did not feel safe, citing incidents like carjacking.
• ✅ He believes the presence of the National Guard has made the city much safer and that citizens feel the difference.

National Guard's Role

• 🤝 The National Guard's presence is seen as a force multiplier that allowed the D.C. Police Department to do its job more effectively.
• ⚖️ Gimenez credited the National Guard and President Trump for making D.C. a safer city, despite political rhetoric.
• 👏 D.C. leaders are now giving credit to the National Guard, which Gimenez suggests was initially a political stance but now acknowledges the practical impact on safety.