DOJ Paralegal Elizabeth Baxter Terminated Over Obscene Gestures Toward National Guard

Washington, August 30, 2025 - U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Saturday that Elizabeth Baxter, a paralegal in the Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, has been removed from federal service effective immediately for making obscene gestures toward National Guard personnel deployed in the capital.

According to a termination memo issued by Bondi, Baxter was observed on August 18 commuting to work at the DOJ’s 4CON building in the NoMa district of Washington, D.C., and repeatedly flipping off National Guard members stationed at Metro Center Metro Stop. In addition to raising her middle finger, Baxter is reported to have shouted profanities including “F-k the National Guard” and “F-k you!” at the troops.

The memo cited “inappropriate conduct towards National Guard service members” as the basis for Baxter’s dismissal, stating her actions violated standards of professionalism and respect for uniformed personnel. DOJ spokesperson Chad Gilmartin confirmed the department’s decision on X, and a second spokesperson, Gates McGavick, reiterated that disrespect toward law enforcement would not be tolerated under Bondi’s tenure.

Baxter is the second DOJ paralegal terminated this month by Bondi; earlier in August, Sean Charles Dunn was dismissed after allegedly throwing a sandwich at a federal officer in downtown Washington. In her public remarks, Bondi emphasized that employees who “oppose our mission and disrespect law enforcement” will not remain within the department’s ranks.

The firings occur amid a high-profile national guard deployment to Washington authorized by President Donald Trump, aimed at supporting local law enforcement and curbing crime. Critics have decried the operation as politically motivated, while supporters cite a continued decline in violent crime rates in the district.