The Chamberlain Network Horrified by Shooting of National Guardsmembers in DC

Atlanta GA – This afternoon, two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot in Washington, DC, near the White House. While we wait for more information, our thoughts are with these service members and their families, whose loved ones were harmed the day before Thanksgiving. 

While we still don’t know the motivations of the shooter, we strongly believe that one thing is clear – if the National Guard had not been deployed when they weren’t needed, this would not have happened. Putting troops in precarious situations, such as domestic deployments to work with police, is dangerous regardless of the circumstances. While our service members know the risks when they join the military, they expect our leaders to lead them responsibly, not needlessly put them in harm's way. 

“These National Guard members should be at home, with their families, celebrating the holidays – not being used for a political stunt," said Chris Purdy, CEO and Founder of The Chamberlain Network. “This incident reminds all Americans of the dangers and responsibilities of military deployments. The consequences of defending our nation are so high that deployments should never be undertaken for partisan purposes.”

The Chamberlain Network urges the administration to end these reckless domestic deployments that unnecessarily put our service members in harm's way. Absent leadership from the White House, state governors should exercise their authority to withdraw National Guard units they command from these missions, and Congress should use its legislative and funding powers to prevent the continued misuse of our military, especially in domestic policing roles.