Army veteran files $3 million lawsuit against Idaho National Guard over porch detention
An Army combat veteran has sued the Idaho National Guard for $3 million, alleging she was violently restrained while being detained on her Washington, D.C. front porch.
Anna King, a former Army captain, is suing the Idaho National Guard for $3 million after a May 8 incident in which Guard members entered her Washington, D.C. front porch, told her she was being detained and physically restrained. According to the ACLU-filed complaint, the soldiers pinned King to the ground, knelt on her back and handcuffed her, leaving the cuffs excessively tight despite her protests. The encounter resulted in a wrist injury that required surgery and reportedly re-triggered her diagnosed post-traumatic stress disorder.
The Guard allegedly detained King over a prior event in which she allegedly poured an unknown liquid on Guard personnel, though no criminal charges have been filed. Metropolitan Police responded, attempting to cut the plastic restraints but were unable to do so because they were too tight. The lawsuit is part of a broader series of more than 50 ACLU claims alleging federal agents’ excessive force against civilians.
Why it matters
The case highlights concerns about the use of force by National Guard members on U.S. soil and potential liability for federal agencies.
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