A National Guard member deployed to Washington, D.C. was arrested and faces felony charges after allegedly pulling a gun on a fellow guardsman during a dispute over hairstyles.
Zion Mitchell, 21, stands accused of assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm while committing a crime of violence, according to court documents filed in D.C. Superior Court. The alleged confrontation occurred Aug. 25 while Mitchell and another guardsman were on a break from patrol, sitting in a black van.
The argument centered on whether their hairstyles adhered to Army regulations. During the exchange, Mitchell allegedly told the other guardsman, "I would slap the Jackson 5 out of you." The two continued to argue before the alleged victim told Mitchell to "shut the f--- up."
A witness in the van heard a holster click immediately after and told Mitchell, "Put that up. You almost shot me in the hand," according to court records. Another guardsman saw Mitchell pointing his firearm in the direction of the alleged victim, with the weapon aimed over the shoulder of the witness.
Mitchell later told detectives he had pulled a pistol magazine from his vest pocket and pointed it as part of "playful banter," according to an affidavit.
Court records indicate Mitchell was held due to the serious nature of the alleged crimes. He did not enter a plea at his preliminary hearing. His next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15.
The incident occurred during a deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C. ordered by President Donald Trump in August 2025 as part of his "Make DC Safe and Beautiful" campaign. The National Guard force in D.C. currently stands at 3,100 guardsmen, down from a temporary peak of roughly 5,000 during the summer surge for America's 250th anniversary.
A lawyer representing Mitchell did not respond to a request for comment. The National Guard did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the incident.
