An Oklahoma National Guard member deployed to Washington D.C. was arrested and charged with carrying an unlicensed firearm after United States Park Police stopped his vehicle for an expired registration. The 22-year-old soldier, Jakob Noonan, was taken into custody on September 29, 2025, while traveling with another National Guard member, according to court documents reviewed by The Associated Press and reported by Diario Libre.
Vehicle Stop Leads to Firearm Discovery by United States Park Police
The incident began when United States Park Police pulled over Noonan’s Honda SUV due to expired tags. During the traffic stop, an officer noticed an empty holster in the back of the vehicle and asked if there was a gun inside. Noonan acknowledged that a firearm was present. At the time of the stop, the soldier was off duty, driving his personal vehicle, and not wearing a uniform.
Court documents show that multiple responding officers observed the pistol. Noonan told police that he was residing temporarily in Washington as part of his National Guard deployment and that the weapon was registered to his name in Oklahoma, where open carry is permitted. However, Noonan admitted he lacked a valid concealed carry permit for the District of Columbia. A background check confirmed he possessed no such authorization.
Prior Arrests and Joint Task Force Deployment Controversy
Noonan’s arrest marks the second time in two months that a member of the military task force deployed to the nation’s capital has faced criminal charges. In August, Zion Mitchell, a Georgia National Guard member, was arrested and charged after allegedly pointing a weapon at another guard member during a dispute over haircuts.
The military deployment has faced persistent criticism from local officials and residents since President Donald Trump ordered the mission in August 2025 under a state of emergency declaration citing uncontrolled crime. Critics argue the operation wastes public funds and normalizes a military presence in an American city. More than 5,000 troops deployed during the summer for the United States 250th-anniversary celebrations, though the contingent has since dropped to approximately 3,000 active personnel. These service members have supported local law enforcement with detentions, urban beautification, and snow removal. Despite local pushback, the deployment authorization runs through January 2029.
Court Appearance and Unanswered Inquiries
Noonan made his initial appearance before the Superior Court of the District of Columbia on September 29, facing a single charge of carrying a pistol without a license. Attempts to reach Noonan’s court-appointed defense attorney via telephone and email were unsuccessful. Representatives for the Joint Task Force overseeing the National Guard deployment did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the arrest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific charge does Jakob Noonan face in court?
Noonan was formally charged in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia with carrying a pistol without a license after authorities verified he lacked a local concealed carry permit.
How many National Guard members remain stationed in Washington D.C.?
The troop contingent has decreased from a summer peak of over 5,000 soldiers down to approximately 3,000 active personnel supporting local operations.
When was the National Guard deployment initially authorized for the capital?
President Donald Trump ordered the deployment in August 2025 under an emergency declaration, and the mission is currently authorized to continue through January 2029.