William Clark, 28, was arrested near the White House in Washington DC after allegedly making a 'finger gun' gesture at National Guard troops. He faces charges of threats in a menacing manner and assault on a police officer, according to court papers.
Mr Clark was taken into custody after court documents allege he made the gesture towards National Guard personnel. The incident took place at 15th and E streets NW at approximately 5.20pm local time.
Incident Details
Mr Clark was "holding a cell phone in one hand while the other hand was making a shooting gesture with a finger gun". He was held by National Guard members until DC police arrived.
He entered a not guilty plea, court records show. Under DC law, the "threatened assault in a menacing manner" charge could result in a maximum sentence of up to 180 days behind bars or a $1,000 fine.
Context of Tensions
The arrest follows growing tensions between residents and the National Guard. Last month, one National Guard member was shot in the leg while attempting to break up a brawl in DC. In 2025, two others were shot blocks from the White House, leaving one dead and the other critically injured.
The National Guard has maintained a presence in the US capital for over a year. Troops were sent to at least seven states for the midterm election held on Tuesday, focusing on monitoring ballot boxes and supporting election security operations.
Reception and Future Presence
Local officials have given the Guard's presence a frosty reception, branding the deployment unnecessary, costly and devoid of any clear strategy. Critics have also dismissed US President Donald Trump's assertion that the National Guard has dramatically cut crime in the capital, contending that guardsmen are unable to make arrests and have not been posted in high-crime areas.
According to news outlet The Hill, the Pentagon is expected to maintain a National Guard presence in Washington all the way through to Inauguration Day 2029.
