Maryland Lawyer Charged with Felony Assault for Spitting on National Guard in Washington DC

Scott J. Pichon, a Maryland-licensed lawyer, has been charged with felony assault after allegedly spitting a mixture of saliva and mucus on two South Carolina National Guard soldiers deployed in Washington, D.C., as part of President Donald Trump's intensified anti-crime efforts in the capital. The incident occurred near Union Station and was witnessed by an Amtrak police officer, with security footage capturing the event. Pichon was arrested on a federal warrant and appeared in court, where he was released on his own recognizance. This assault is one of several incidents highlighting tensions surrounding the federal crackdown on crime in D.C., which includes the deployment of National Guard troops from multiple GOP-led states to support law enforcement. The federal surge, part of Trump's efforts to address crime in the city, remains unpopular with many residents, with polls indicating that approximately 80% oppose the federal takeover of the city police and the presence of federal forces. Another notable incident involved a man charged with assault for throwing a sandwich at a federal officer, underscoring the heightened friction in the capital.