An Oklahoma National Guard member deployed to Washington, D.C., has been arrested on a firearms charge afterpolicediscoveredapistolin his vehicle during a traffic stop, according to court documents. Spec. Jakob Noonan, 22, was arrested Sept. 28 after U.S. Park Police stopped a vehicle occupied by Noonan and another Guard member for an expired registration tag.
Noonan was off duty, out of uniform and driving his personal vehicle at the time of the stop. According to the police account, officers noticed an empty holster in the vehicle and asked whether a firearm was inside.
Noonan acknowledged that a pistol was present. Court documents state that Noonan told officers the firearm was registered to him in Oklahoma, where state law permits open carry under applicable conditions.
However, he acknowledged that he did not have a valid District of Columbia concealedcarry permit. Noonan was charged with carrying a pistol without a license.
He made his first court appearance in D.C. Superior Court on Sept. 29, according to courtrecords.Thechargestems from the District of Columbia's firearm regulations, which differ from Oklahoma's laws.
Possessing a firearm legally in one state does not automatically authorize someone to carry it in another jurisdiction. Washington, D.C., generally requires individuals carrying a pistol outside their home to comply with local registration and licensing requirements.
Under D.C. law, carrying a pistol without a license can be prosecuted as a felony and carries a potential penalty of a fine or imprisonment of up to five years, according to reporting by Task & Purpose. The actual outcome depends on the legal proceedings and circumstances of the case.
Noonan's arrest comes as National Guard members from multiple states continue supporting a federal mission in the nation's capital. President Donald Trump initiated the deployment in August 2025, citing concerns about crime in Washington.
Guard members have assisted law enforcement operations and participated in public-service activities, including city beautification projectsandsnowremoval.The deployment drew thousands of troops to Washington during celebrations marking the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026.
The mission has been extended through January 2029. The deployment has also generated debate among local officials and residents over the military's role in civilian law enforcement, the cost of the operation and its effectiveness in addressing crime.
Noonan's arrest was reported as the second arrest involving a member of the task force in approximately two months. In August, Georgia National Guard member Zion Mitchellwasarrestedfollowing anallegeddisputewithanother Guard member involving military haircut regulations.
The Oklahoma Guard member's case highlights the legal complications service members can encounter when carrying personal firearms while deployed outside their home state. An arrest and criminalchargeareallegations, not a conviction. Noonan's case will be handled through the District of Columbia's judicial system.