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Helen Betts | all galleries >> Rediscovering Home >> Washington Rediscovered: Year 10 > Police now protecting our protectors
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30-Nov-2025

Police now protecting our protectors

Trump ordered DC Police officers to patrol with National Guardsmen around the city after the shooting of two National Guard soldiers (and subsequent death of one of them) last week in northwest DC. We were told the 2,000-plus National Guard members were deployed in DC to deter crime and protect us and our city, so it seems a bit strange that now they have to be protected by the police, which takes the officers away from their actual law enforcement jobs. Although there is some crime here, Capitol Hill is a pretty safe neighborhood overall, but we’re now seeing more and more groups of Guardsmen patrolling the streets as well as our peaceful (and pretty crime-free) park, a favorite spot for dogs and residents alike.

This shot was taken (with difficulty, so not great) a few blocks from our house. The man in the yellow and black jacket is a Metropolitan Police Department officer.

‘O Fair New Mexico — 41 Fair Years’ (2023). posted earlier:

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Dave Petersen Photography12-Dec-2025 12:48
Placing the National Guard in Washington DC in my opinion has been nothing more than a "dog and pony" show by the president. It has resulted in the death of one National Guardsman and critical injuries of another. What mitigates crime is the presence of trained law enforcement and community policing. It is all about politics and endangers troops that are not trained to work in everyday law enforcement roles. My heart goes out to the family of the National Guardsman who was killed. Thanks for posting this image.
Bill Miller03-Dec-2025 06:02
I am not sure whether to be sad, surprised or disbelieving when I see this picture
janescottcumming02-Dec-2025 22:53
That’s pretty crazy.
Kevin D Warren02-Dec-2025 19:31
As per your description this situation in DC certainly seems bizarre and counter productive. A very effective documentary image.
joseantonio02-Dec-2025 03:51
not a nice scene to see so many police in the streets.V.
globalgadabout02-Dec-2025 03:22
troops on the streets...bizarre and scary..
larose forest photos02-Dec-2025 02:05
Excellent documentary shot. I agree it is bizarre that the protectors are being protected. What next? V
Carl Carbone02-Dec-2025 01:56
That officer certainly looks relaxed.
Dennis Hoyne02-Dec-2025 01:49
Well seen and photographed. It seems to me shooting two National Guard members on deployment would be considered a criminal incident.
Julie Oldfield02-Dec-2025 01:28
Welcome to the police state. V
Nirvan Hope01-Dec-2025 22:08
Just sad. Sad all around.
hayl01-Dec-2025 21:15
Nothing is right about any of this. The death of the young woman is another tragedy.