A National Guard member deployed to Washington, D.C., has been arrested after allegedly pointing a firearm at a fellow guardsman during an argument over military hairstyle regulations, according to court documents.

The alleged confrontation happened Aug. 25 while the two service members were taking a break from patrol duties and sitting inside a black van, according to an affidavit filed in D.C. Superior Court.

The suspect, identified in court records as Zion Mitchell, allegedly became involved in a heated exchange with another National Guard member over whether their hairstyles complied with Army standards.

During the argument, Mitchell allegedly made a comment referencing the Jackson 5 before the confrontation escalated.

According to the affidavit, Mitchell allegedly told the other guardsman, “I would slap the Jackson 5 out of you.” The two reportedly continued arguing before the alleged victim told Mitchell to stop.

Witnesses Reportedly Saw a Firearm

The situation allegedly became more serious when witnesses inside the vehicle heard what sounded like a firearm or holster being manipulated.

The alleged victim told investigators that she heard a “holster click.” Another person inside the van reportedly reacted by saying, “Put that up. You almost shot me in the hand.”

Court documents further allege that another guardsman later looked up and saw Mitchell pointing a firearm in the direction of the alleged victim, with another witness positioned between them.

The alleged victim said she was informed afterward that Mitchell had allegedly drawn his weapon during the confrontation.

Mitchell Describes Incident as Playful Banter

During an interview with detectives, Mitchell reportedly provided a different account of what happened.

According to court documents, Mitchell told investigators that he removed a pistol magazine from his vest pocket and pointed it at the other guardsman as part of what he described as playful banter.

Authorities nevertheless arrested Mitchell in connection with the incident.

Court records indicate that Mitchell was held because of the nature of the alleged offenses. He did not enter a plea during his preliminary hearing.

His next court hearing is scheduled for Sept. 15.

Defense and National Guard Response

An attorney representing Mitchell did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The National Guard also did not immediately respond to requests for information regarding the incident.

The allegations remain unproven in court, and Mitchell is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

National Guard Presence in Washington, D.C.

The incident comes as thousands of National Guard troops continue to serve in Washington, D.C., following a federal deployment ordered by President Donald Trump in August 2025.

The deployment was part of the administration’s “Make DC Safe and Beautiful” initiative.

The number of troops in Washington increased significantly during the summer as the city prepared for events surrounding America’s 250th anniversary. At one point, approximately 5,000 guardsmen were deployed in the nation’s capital.

As of September 2026, approximately 3,100 National Guard members remain deployed in Washington, according to the report.

The alleged confrontation involving Mitchell occurred while troops were carrying out their ongoing patrol responsibilities in the city.

The case is now moving through the D.C. court system, with Mitchell’s next hearing scheduled for Sept. 15.