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NewsKPBS Public MediaAugust 4, 2026San Diego

Retired Army Captain files $3 million federal claim against Idaho National Guard over detention

Anna King, a retired U.S. Army captain, has filed a federal tort claim seeking $3 million in damages after being detained by Idaho National Guard members outside her Washington, D.C. home on May 8. The claim alleges assault and injury, while the National Guard maintains the detention was related to a prior alleged assault by King against a guard member.

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Why It Matters

The incident highlights the legal and operational tensions surrounding the deployment of nearly 5,000 National Guard members as a special police task force in Washington, D.C.

Key Facts

  • Anna King is a retired U.S. Army captain, Iraq veteran, and recipient of a Purple Heart and Bronze Star.
  • The incident occurred on May 8 outside King's home in Washington, D.C.
  • Three Idaho National Guard members detained King using zip ties after she was confronted on her front bench.
  • The ACLU of D.C. and Levy Firestone Muse filed a federal tort claim seeking $3 million in damages.
  • The National Guard claims the detention was due to an alleged assault by King against a guard member two days prior.
  • King's attorneys state no criminal charges were filed against her regarding the alleged prior assault.
  • King is currently facing charges for assaulting the guard members who detained her.
  • Nearly 5,000 National Guard members are deployed in D.C. as part of a federal anti-crime task force launched last August.
  • Task force members are deputized as special police by the U.S. Marshals Service and carry handguns.
  • Task force members do not have full arrest powers but can detain individuals until police arrive.
  • King alleges the detention was retaliation for her vocal criticism of the National Guard's presence in her neighborhood.

Who's Mentioned

organizationIdaho National Guard“The entity named in the tort claim for the actions of its members.”organizationU.S. Marshals Service“Agency that deputized National Guard members as special police.”personAnna King“Retired U.S. Army captain and D.C. resident who filed the claim.”organizationLevy Firestone Muse“Private law firm representing Anna King.”organizationACLU of the District of Columbia“Legal representative for Anna King.”