WASHINGTON, D.C. – Four Soldiers with the Nebraska National Guard were conducting a routine static patrol on April 2, 2026, at the corner of 12th and U Street when they heard the sound of a crash nearby.
Members of the patrol included U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Muhammad Alshankhakni, a military police officer, Sgt. Vater Griffen and Pvt. Mason Eickmeier, both infantrymen, and Pfc. Stone Thelen, a combat medic, all of whom are activated to support the DC Safe and Beautiful Mission.
DC Safe and Beautiful is an executive order established to increase federal presence and reduce crime by deploying National Guard members from various states to ensure safety of visitors and locals in the nation’s capital. This is accomplished by National Guard members working hand-in-hand with federal law enforcement agencies throughout the district.
After the collision, bystanders began rushing toward the scene.
“We saw a person on a scooter lying on the ground, so we rushed over and started providing aid,” Alshankhakni said. “These guys saw it first, they rushed over there immediately.”
Griffen, who witnessed the accident, explained that a taxi was attempting a U-turn in front of the moped driver. Upon impact, the rider was thrown from the vehicle.
“Our presence there was immediate,” Alshankhakni added. “We took control of the scene right away. If we hadn’t been there, it could have gotten pretty messy. People were running toward the victim, creating distractions.”
“Our team started providing aid, stopped traffic, and called MPD and EMS,” Griffen said. “[Thelen] provided first aid.”
“I took vitals and made sure he wasn't bleeding from anywhere and made sure there was nothing that was broken”, Thelen added, “I checked his breathing. I was just making sure he was overall in good shape [...] then I did a handoff to EMS”.
After assisting the moped rider, the guardsmen ensured that passengers in the taxi were also attended to. Once Metropolitan Police arrived, the Soldiers helped clear the area to keep traffic moving.
Thelen compared the high-pressure situation to military training.
“When we train, it’s designed to push you and create stress,” he said. “It helps you stay calm because you understand how you’ll react in certain situations. Things aren’t always going to go right, you have to adapt and figure things out as they happen.”
What began as a routine patrol quickly turned into a test of the Soldiers’ training, requiring them to respond rapidly and assess a tense situation. Through quick action and coordination, guardsmen demonstrated the impact of their presence. Their response exemplifies what the DC Safe and Beautiful mission hopes to accomplish; the Soldiers were prepared and able to immediately respond to the accident, assisting local law and enforcement and Emergency Medical Services.