A National Guard member was wounded during a confrontation in Washington's Barracks Row area, and the man police say shot him faces four criminal charges, city authorities said Oct. 19.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified the suspect as Jerrell Jackson, 41, of Southeast Washington. Police said he was detained at the scene and later arrested and charged. The charges are assault with a dangerous weapon (gun); assault on a police officer and emergency personnel; carrying a pistol without a license; and felon in possession of a firearm. They are allegations.
Officers responded to a shooting report at about 11:10 p.m. EDT on Oct. 18 (03:10 UTC Oct. 19) in the 400 block of 8th Street Southeast. Guard members patrolling the Barracks Row corridor had intervened in a fight outside an establishment, MPD said. Police said Jackson fired toward the troops as he fled, striking one member. Three Guard members then fired and wounded Jackson. The suspect's firearm was recovered at the scene.
DC Fire and EMS took both wounded people to hospitals. Police said their injuries were not life-threatening.
President Donald Trump directed the mobilization of the District of Columbia National Guard in an Aug. 11, 2025, memorandum, citing crime in Washington as the administration's reason.
MPD's Force Investigations Team is examining the Guard members' use of firearms. The U.S. Attorney's Office will conduct an independent review, police said.
