National Guard Vehicle Crashes Into Car Near Capitol/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A National Guard armored vehicle collided with a civilian car less than a mile from the U.S. Capitol during heightened military deployments in Washington. One person was trapped and later hospitalized with minor injuries. The crash comes amid President Donald Trump’s crackdown, which has sent nearly 2,000 troops into the city.
Capitol Collision: Quick Looks
- The Incident: National Guard armored vehicle struck a civilian SUV near the Capitol.
- Injuries Reported: One person trapped, rescued, and hospitalized with minor injuries.
- Scene Description: Video shows a tan armored vehicle towering over crushed SUV.
- Public Reaction: Witness angrily confronted troops at crash site.
- Troop Deployment: About 1,900 National Guard members now positioned across Washington.
- Law Enforcement Push: Attorney General Pam Bondi reports 550 arrests so far.
- Incentives for Tips: U.S. Marshals offering $500 rewards for information.
- Cause Unknown: Authorities investigating how the collision occurred.
Deep Look: National Guard Vehicle Collides With Civilian Car Near U.S. Capitol
WASHINGTON (AP) — A National Guard armored vehicle collided with a civilian car Thursday morning less than a mile from the U.S. Capitol, underscoring tensions in the capital as troops continue to flood into Washington under President Donald Trump’s crackdown.
Emergency Response and Injuries
According to D.C. Fire Department spokesman Vito Maggiolo, one civilian was trapped in the crushed car following the impact. Emergency responders worked to free the individual, who was transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries.
Police confirmed the driver was conscious and breathing, and the injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Video and On-the-Ground Reaction
A video shared online showed a tan-colored armored Guard vehicle alongside a silver SUV with a crushed side, the military vehicle standing nearly twice as tall as the civilian car.
“You come to our city and this is what you do? Seriously?” a woman can be heard shouting at soldiers in the footage, highlighting the frustration some residents feel over the sudden military presence.
Deployment of Troops
The collision comes as nearly 1,900 National Guard troops are being deployed throughout Washington, D.C. The majority are arriving from Republican-led states, responding to requests from Trump administration officials for reinforcements.
The move is part of Trump’s broader crackdown, framed by his administration as necessary to restore order in the capital.
Crackdown and Arrests
Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that over 550 people have been arrested so far under the operation. To boost enforcement, the U.S. Marshals Service is offering $500 rewards for information that leads to additional arrests.
“Together, we will make DC safe again!” Bondi declared in a social media post following the incident.
Cause Still Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet confirmed what led to the crash, whether it was a mechanical failure, driver error, or a result of the increasingly congested military movement through the city.
For now, the collision illustrates the risks of mixing heavy military vehicles with civilian traffic in Washington’s crowded urban streets — a stark symbol of the city’s altered atmosphere under heightened security.
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