Retired U.S. Army Captain Anna King, a Purple Heart and Bronze Star recipient, has filed a federal tort claim seeking $3 million in damages following her violent detention by National Guard troops outside her Washington, D.C., residence in May. King’s legal team challenges the justification provided by the National Guard and D.C. police, who said she was confronted after allegedly spraying troops with an unidentified liquid two days earlier.

According to official police reports, three National Guard members called for police assistance after being sprayed and identified King as the suspect. The Guard stated that it detained King and subsequently notified law enforcement. King faces two charges alleging assault on police officers related to the May 8 incident.

Video footage of the encounter circulated widely online, showing troops physically restraining King as she disputed their authority to detain her. The restraint involved the use of plastic handcuffs tightened to the extent that circulation was cut off for 17 minutes. As a result, King sustained injuries, including a ruptured ligament that required surgery. She has also reported ongoing psychological trauma linked to the event.

King’s attorneys assert that the accusation of spraying troops is unfounded and contend that her detention was motivated by her protest signs criticizing the National Guard’s deployment in the city. King has indicated her May 1 protest signage may have provoked the Guard’s alleged targeting and expressed her resolve to continue her activism despite the physical and emotional repercussions.

The Idaho National Guard, named as a defendant in the claim, declined to comment on the matter citing pending litigation. The Guard emphasized its dedication to maintaining professionalism and cooperation with investigators. The case highlights ongoing tensions surrounding the use of military forces in domestic protest settings and raises questions about the conduct of National Guard personnel during civilian demonstrations.