The White House launched a sharp rebuke against MS NOW correspondent Ken Dilanian following his remarks during breaking news coverage of a shooting that left two National Guard troops critically wounded in Washington D.C. on Wednesday.
Dilanian appeared on MS NOW during the network’s live coverage of the shooting and was questioned about the atmosphere in Washington D.C. following President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard earlier this year.
The correspondent acknowledged that the National Guard presence had become normalized in the capital.
He noted that the deployment was no longer viewed as controversial after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser publicly supported it. However, Dilanian then shifted his focus to broader political tensions across the nation.
“Of course, you know, there’s so much controversy happening in the United States right now with ICE, who are also wearing uniforms and wearing masks,” Dilanian told MS NOW anchor Katy Tur.
“And so there’s — you don’t know — people walking around with uniforms in an American city. There are some Americans that might object to that. And so apparently this shooting has happened.”
During the segment, both Tur and Dilanian raised questions about whether the National Guard deployment in Washington D.C. was legal.
They referenced a federal judge’s ruling that declared the deployment unlawful, a decision the Trump administration is currently appealing.
The White House rapid response team swiftly condemned Dilanian’s on-air comments through social media.
“[Dilanian], two heroes were just shot protecting our nation’s capital — and this is your takeaway?” the White House posted on X.
The White House continued its criticism in a follow-up statement.
“Democrats have relentlessly demonized these Patriots, calling them ‘illegal’ and even suggesting THEY might start shooting Americans. Get help. You are beyond sick,” the administration added.
Dilanian’s remarks drew widespread condemnation from conservative commentators and political figures.
Andrew Kolvet, spokesman for Turning Point USA, expressed strong disapproval of the correspondent’s analysis.
“MS NOW is about to have to rebrand again. This is truly disgusting,” Kolvet stated.
Ed Werder, a former ESPN reporter, questioned Dilanian’s priorities in covering the story. “How about blaming the murderer,” Werder suggested.
Red State writer Bonchie also weighed in with harsh criticism. “Ken Dilanian is a disgusting individual,” Bonchie posted on social media.
The shooting occurred just blocks from the White House and has been characterized by authorities as a targeted attack on military personnel.
Two National Guardsmen sustained injuries in the attack and remain in critical condition at area hospitals.
Law enforcement identified the gunman as 29-year-old Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national.
Lakanwal is currently in custody and receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during the incident.
