WASHINGTON, August 31, 2025 (Reuters)

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi has terminated the employment of a Department of Justice paralegal for making an obscene gesture toward National Guard troops deployed in Washington, D.C. The staffer, identified as Elizabeth Baxter, was dismissed effective immediately after an internal investigation found that she raised her middle finger and used profane language at uniformed personnel while commuting to work.

Bondi’s action comes amid President Trump’s recent directive sending hundreds of National Guard members to the nation’s capital on August 7 to bolster federal law-enforcement patrols under a declared crime emergency. The Justice Department memo, made public by the New York Post, cited Baxter’s conduct as “inappropriate behavior directed at National Guard” personnel, warranting immediate removal from federal service.

A DOJ spokesperson confirmed that the dismissal underscores the department’s expectation of professional conduct by all employees, warning that those who “do not respect law enforcement” may not be suited for roles within Attorney General Bondi’s DOJ.

Bondi’s swift response highlights her commitment to maintaining discipline and decorum within the Justice Department, even as federal authorities face growing public scrutiny over aggressive law-enforcement tactics in the District.