WASHINGTON – U.S. Soldiers with the Alabama National Guard, assigned to Joint Task Force-District of Columbia, or JTF-DC, in support of the DC Safe and Beautiful mission, assisted Metro Transit Police Sept. 8 in de-escalating a confrontation at the Gallery Place Metro Station.

Pfc. John Holifield, a motor transport operator with the Alabama National Guard, said he and his team were waiting for the next Metro train to arrive when they heard a verbal dispute.

“Upon further investigation we witnessed three-four teens verbally threatening each other,” Holifield said.

“My first thought was to separate them and not let them fight,” said Spc. Diego Salgado Flores, an automated logistics specialist with the Alabama National Guard.

The team was conducting a routine patrol at the Gallery Place Metro Station as part of the Ride the Rails initiative when they overheard the confrontation. As they approached, two Metro Transit Police officers were trying to get the situation under control. Two youths were verbally threatening each other as a group of teens surrounded them, and the situation appeared as if it could become physical.

Using their training in crowd control and de-escalation tactics, the team gave officers the space they needed to create distance between the arguing youths to de-escalate the dispute. The team maintained security, keeping spectators back and acting as a barrier between the youths.

The incident ended peacefully, highlighting the value of the training service members have received as part of JTF-DC.

“The moment felt like an opportunity for our team to apply the training and preparation we have received in a real-world situation,” says Sgt. Gabriel Arias, a movements specialist with the Alabama National Guard. “It reinforced the importance of remaining composed, communicating effectively and working together as a team. I believe my team performed above and beyond the standard for a situation of this nature.”

The team’s actions highlight JTF-DC’s goal of keeping the District safe and beautiful by assisting local authorities.

“I am confident that my team and I responded in the best way possible,” said Pfc. Erin Drake, a human resources specialist with the Alabama National Guard, “by assisting Metro Transit personnel in maintaining the situation and keeping civilians and passersby out of harm’s way.”