A Washington, D.C. man described by federal prosecutors as a repeat violent offender is facing federal charges after allegedly opening fire on a National Guardsman who was trying to break up a street fight in downtown Washington. Jerrell Lamont Jackson, 41, was charged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense, according to Daily Caller reporting on a U.S. Attorney’s Office press release.
TL;DR: Late Sunday night, October 18, Jerrell Lamont Jackson, 41, allegedly opened fire on a National Guardsman who was trying to break up a street fight in downtown Washington, D.C. Jackson allegedly discharged his weapon at the guardsmen as he tried to flee; three guardsmen returned fire and hit him, and one guardsman was struck in the leg. Jackson now faces federal firearm and assault charges.
The Shooting in Downtown Washington
According to the press release, the confrontation unfolded late Sunday night. Jackson was involved in a street fight in downtown Washington, D.C., when a National Guardsman moved in to break it up. During the fight, Jackson brandished a weapon and began shooting. The National Guard ordered him to drop the weapon.
Instead of complying, Jackson attempted to flee — and as he did, he discharged his weapon at the guardsmen, according to the release. Three guardsmen returned fire, striking Jackson. One guardsman was struck in the leg during the exchange. The guardsman who was shot survived the incident, with the press release confirming the leg wound.
Federal Charges Filed
Jackson was charged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on three counts: unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense. The felon-in-possession charge reflects that Jackson, as a convicted felon and repeat violent offender, was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The charges are allegations. Jackson has been charged but not convicted, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in federal court.
U.S. Attorney Responds
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro issued a strong statement about the incident, framing it as part of a broader crackdown on violent crime in the nation’s capital:
“This brazen attack on the National Guard by a repeat violent offender firing into a crowded corridor is exactly the kind of lawlessness our city refuses to tolerate. The National Guard and our task force partners responded with discipline and courage, restoring order quickly. Their presence is delivering real results: more than 18,000 arrests, nearly 2,200 illegal firearms seized, and 28 missing children safely returned home. The men and women protecting this city are driving violent crime down and taking back our streets one dangerous individual at a time.”
The statement highlights what Pirro’s office describes as significant results from the federal law enforcement surge in Washington: more than 18,000 arrests, nearly 2,200 illegal firearms taken off the streets, and 28 missing children safely returned home.
A Broader Federal Crackdown
The incident comes amid a sustained federal law enforcement presence in the District of Columbia, where the National Guard has been deployed alongside task force partners. The shooting of a guardsman — and the rapid federal charging that followed — underscores the high-stakes nature of that deployment.
Jackson’s case will now proceed through the federal court system in the District of Columbia, where he faces serious penalties if convicted on the firearm and assault charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is accused of shooting the National Guardsman?
Jerrell Lamont Jackson, 41, of Washington, D.C. He was described in the U.S. Attorney’s Office press release as a felon and repeat violent offender.
What happened on the night of the shooting?
Late Sunday night, October 18, Jackson allegedly opened fire on a National Guardsman who was trying to break up a street fight in downtown Washington, D.C. When ordered to drop the weapon, Jackson attempted to flee while discharging his weapon at the guardsmen. Three guardsmen returned fire and hit Jackson; one guardsman was struck in the leg.
What charges does Jackson face?
He was charged in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition by a felon, assault with a dangerous weapon, and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence or dangerous offense.
Was the guardsman seriously injured?
One guardsman was struck in the leg, according to the press release. No further details about the extent of the injury were provided in the release.
What did U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro say?
Pirro called the incident a “brazen attack on the National Guard by a repeat violent offender firing into a crowded corridor,” praised the guardsmen’s “discipline and courage,” and cited more than 18,000 arrests, nearly 2,200 illegal firearms seized, and 28 missing children safely returned home as results of the federal law enforcement presence in the city.
Has Jackson been convicted?
No. He has been charged but not convicted. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in federal court.
Where were the charges filed?
The charges were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.
Why is Jackson charged with felon-in-possession offenses?
Because he was described as a previously convicted felon, he was prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition — forming the basis of the unlawful possession charges.
