A 28-year-old man was arrested near the White House after allegedly making a shooting gesture toward National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., according to court documents.
William Clark was taken into custody Monday evening after the incident at the intersection of 15th and E streets NW, near the White House Ellipse. The incident was reported at approximately 5:20 p.m., according to an arrest affidavit.
The affidavit alleges Clark was holding a cellphone in one hand while using his other hand to make a shooting gesture with his index finger pointed like a gun. The gesture was reportedly directed toward a van driven by a uniformed National Guard member.
National Guard personnel detained Clark until officers with the Metropolitan Police Department arrived. He was subsequently arrested on allegations of making threats in a menacing manner and assaulting a police officer, according to the documents.
Court records show Clark was charged with misdemeanor assault or threatened assault in a menacing manner. He pleaded not guilty and was released from custody Tuesday.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 180 days in prison, a fine of up to $1,000, or both under D.C. law.
Clark’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The arrest comes as National Guard troops continue to serve in Washington, D.C., following a deployment to the nation’s capital. Their presence has drawn criticism from local officials and Democratic lawmakers, who have questioned the need for the deployment.