Mexican sports journalist Fernando Vargas was robbed at gunpoint during a live interview from his parked car at a gas station. The thief stole the car, wallet, and phone, while Vargas remained safe but shaken. He received assistance from the National Guard and has filed a police report as authorities investigate the incident.
Federal authorities are requesting an additional 1,500 National Guard troops to be deployed to Washington, D.C., for a 'summer surge' that would bring total Guard forces in the capital to 5,000 as the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary. The operation aims to curb violence, drug and illegal firearm trafficking, and large, social-media-organized gatherings dubbed 'teen takeovers.' Officials note past deployments reduced crime in some metrics, but attribution remains debated.
The Justice Department will prosecute parents of teenagers who violate DC’s curfew under a local law as part of a broader federal crime surge in the capital ahead of summer America 250th birthday celebrations. Officials said about 1,500 National Guard troops would be added to bring total to roughly 5,000, along with enhanced FBI and U.S. Marshals support. Local lawmakers have stalled on an emergency youth curfew; the Council’s longer-term measure awaits congressional review and would tighten weekend curfews and zones, leaving a gap this summer while federal action looms.
As Washington, D.C.’s June primary approaches, frontrunners Janeese Lewis George and Kenyan McDuffie frame the mayoral contest as a battle over home rule and federal power, pledging to end ICE cooperation, rally Congress to protect the district, and push back against Trump, while navigating Bowser’s tempered relationship with the administration and concerns about funding amid federal crackdowns and the ongoing National Guard presence.
A massive wildfire in Brantley County, Georgia destroyed 47 buildings overnight, prompting evacuations near Highway 82, school closures, and smoke that reached metro Atlanta. Gov. Brian Kemp declared a 30-day state of emergency for 91 southern counties, with the National Guard to assist and a 91-county burn ban in place as dry conditions persist; the fire is about 10% contained and officials expect updates as crews work to contain it.
Live coverage follows the Trump administration as it pursues Iran war negotiations, faces a partial DHS funding shutdown, and orchestrates a flurry of White House activity—from Melania Trump’s remarks at a State Department summit and Mullin’s confirmation as Homeland Security secretary to anticipated Senate votes on the Iran war powers resolution and related nominations.
A major March snowstorm prompts Gov. Walz to authorize the Minnesota National Guard for potential rescues, with armories placed around the state and snow emergencies declared in the Twin Cities. The storm triggers widespread travel disruptions, including hundreds of MSP flight cancellations, a multi-vehicle crash on I-35, business closures, and parking adjustments, while residents are urged to prepare emergency kits and monitor updates.
NYPD Officer Sorffly Davius died of a medical episode at Camp Buehring, Kuwait, while deployed in support of the U.S.-Iran conflict. A veteran Army National Guard major who joined the NYPD in 2014, Davius served with the 42nd Infantry Division and on Joint Task Force Empire Shield; Gov. Hochul and New York City leaders, including the mayor and police commissioner, paid tribute to him and his family. The incident underscores the sacrifices of National Guard members who balance civilian and military duties as part of broader U.S. military operations in the region.
A Mexican National Guard officer, Nahomi Martínez from Zacatecas, was killed Feb. 22, 2026, during an operation in Jalisco against a CJNG cell linked to Nemesio Oseguera, “El Mencho,” which authorities say also led to the cartel leader’s arrest after an ambush. Tributes poured in from Martínez’s home state—highlighting her dedication and ties to the Autonomous University of Zacatecas and local basketball clubs—while Mexico’s defense secretary lauded the fallen personnel and lawmakers defended the nation’s service. Martinez was remembered by family and officials as a young officer who died defending the country.
Gov. Maura Healey partially lifts the blizzard state of emergency for Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, while the emergency remains in effect elsewhere. The travel ban is extended to Dukes County (Martha’s Vineyard) in addition to Bristol, Plymouth and Barnstable. An extra 150 Massachusetts National Guard members are activated for storm response, and non-emergency state employees are advised not to report to work on Feb. 24; numerous exemptions apply for essential personnel and critical operations.
Mexican special forces killed Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, in a raid that tracked his hideout; the operation provoked widespread retaliation with cartel gunmen torching cars and blocking roads across about 20 states, killing 25 National Guard members and 34 criminal suspects, plus a prison guard, an agent from the prosecutor’s office and one civilian. The violence prompted school closures and travel disruptions; officials tout the operation as demonstrating state power, but analysts warn the turmoil may persist as cartels vie for control.
Delaware has declared a State of Emergency and activated the National Guard as the Delaware Emergency Management Agency coordinates a response to a Blizzard Warning predicting 12–20 inches of snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding; statewide driving restrictions may be imposed and residents are urged to prepare and follow safety guidance from DEMA and DelDOT.
A large banner featuring President Donald Trump was hung from the Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C., with National Guard members nearby as photographers captured the moment on February 19, 2026.
A Louisiana National Guard soldier left his service rifle in a Bourbon Street bathroom during a French Quarter patrol; the weapon was recovered and returned to the Guard, and the incident—happening as about 350 guardsmen patrolled the Quarter— is being handled internally.
The Justice Department plans to seek the death penalty for Rahmanullah Lakanwal, the man accused of shooting two National Guard members near the White House in November, killing one and wounding the other. Lakanwal pleaded not guilty to nine charges, including first-degree murder, as prosecutors indicated they will pursue death-eligible charges. Court records say he traveled from Washington state to D.C., ambushed the guards with a stolen pistol, and was detained after being shot by another guard member; Beckstrom died, Wolfe remains in recovery. Investigators noted Lakanwal’s past CIA work in Afghanistan, his Uber/Lyft driving, his purchase of bullets the day of the attack, and his search for the White House address. His next hearing is set for early May.