Heightened patrols swept across the District with the expanding war with Iran — a conflict President Donald Trump launched without congressional approval and that has already claimed the lives of three U.S. service members and scores of civilians across the Middle East.
“Our hearts are heavy with the news that U.S. service members have been killed by the Iranian response to strikes, and more are wounded,” Max Rose, senior adviser to VoteVets, said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with all of those in harm’s way and their families, who sacrifice so much for America.”
The Pentagon confirmed that three U.S. troops were killed in action at a base in Kuwait and five were seriously wounded.
“As of 9:30 am ET, March 1, three U.S. service members have been killed in action and five are seriously wounded as part of Operation Epic Fury,” U.S. Central Command announced in a post on X. “Several others sustained minor shrapnel injuries and concussions and are in the process of being returned to duty. Major combat operations continue and our response effort is ongoing.”
The announcement of American casualties comes as many U.S. citizens and politicians alike are processing the president’s decision to enter into war. Maryland Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen asked if anyone remembered all the times that Trump and J.D. Vance looked the American people in the eye and said they would not drag America into a war, especially one in the Middle East.
“They lied,” Van Hollen remarked. “They lied directly to the American people.”
In the District, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and Metro Transit Police increased patrols around federal buildings, embassies, and transit hubs following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes.
“The Metropolitan Police Department is closely monitoring the events unfolding in Iran. We are actively coordinating with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to safeguard residents, visitors and businesses in the District of Columbia,” MPD wrote in a statement posted to social media. “At this time, there are no known threats to We are prepared to increase our presence as needed.”
Authorities said there are no immediate, credible threats to Washington but urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity. Demonstrations unfolded near the White House, in Georgetown, and across downtown, with rallies both supporting and opposing the military action.
Overseas, Israeli forces said they were striking “the heart of Tehran,” targeting missile launchers, air defense systems, and command centers.
American stealth bombers struck hardened ballistic missile facilities and the headquarters of the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, according to U.S. military officials. Iranian state media reported that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in an Israeli missile strike based on U.S. intelligence.
Iranian retaliatory strikes targeted Israel and several Persian Gulf countries. At least nine people were killed in Israel. Additional deaths were reported in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Iranian state and state-affiliated media reported that at least 85 students were killed and 60 others injured at a girls’ elementary school in Minab. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi posted a photo on X that he said showed the aftermath of the strike.
“It’s surreal,” Azim, 39, who gave only his first name out of fear of reprisals, told The New York Times. “Imagine your country is being attacked, but because of how disconnected people feel from the government, they react like that.”
Leaders Criticize Trump Launching War, Looming Danger for U.S. Soldiers
Overnight and without congressional approval, President Donald Trump initiated major combat operations against Iran.
“The self-proclaimed ‘President of peace’ is once again starting illegal wars without Congressional authorization,” Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett wrote on social media. “This is not what the American people asked for.”
Christopher Anders, director of the ACLU’s Democracy and Technology Division, ripped Trump for not going to Congress before bombing Iran.
“Our founding fathers and the Constitution give war authority power to Congress, and Congress alone. It is what makes us a democracy and ensures that our leaders fully consider the many costs of war, including the harm to human lives and rights, and any effects on global peace and stability, before sending American troops into danger,” Anders stated. “If President Trump wants to send American armed forces into conflict, he must make his case to the American people and their representatives in Congress.”
Rose, who said the president’s actions “resulted in the deaths of our troops,” noted the importance of congressional approval due to the serious risks associated with war.
“This needs to be very blunt and very clear,” Rose said. “The risk [to] American service members’ lives in this war was clear from the start. This is precisely why the Constitution says the president must go to Congress before initiating a war.”
National Urban League President Marc Morial also criticized the president’s actions, expressing concern for what the war could mean overall.
“Launching acts of war without congressional authorization violates the Constitution and undermines the democratic checks and balances that exist to prevent exactly this kind of reckless escalation,” Morial said. “History has shown, again and again, that military action in the Middle East without a clear strategy leads to prolonged conflict, civilian suffering, and the loss of American lives.”
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin was particularly worried for U.S. soldiers.
“Trump himself said that this operation is ‘massive and ongoing’ and he expects there may be American casualties,” Martin stated, adding that he’s praying for the safety of all men and women in uniform, of Americans and their families in the region, and of innocent civilians.
Urging Congressional Action
As a member of Congress’ upper chamber, Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) said the U.S. is a democracy and no president has the right to declare war or to drag the nation into war.
“Congress should return to session immediately to debate the use of force as is our solemn duty, Warnock asserted. “The American people deserve answers and a voice through their elected representatives.”
Rose stressed the importance of congressional leaders examining next steps.
“It must end,” he urged. “Congress must initiate war powers consideration immediately, to include an in-depth review of this president’s war plan. Not tomorrow, not next week. Today. Speaker Johnson and Sen. Thune should call everyone back to vote today, before more American troops die in Trump’s war.”
Forcing a vote on a war powers resolution would “force the administration, at a minimum, to have to explain itself in ways that then leave the American public to be able to better judge whether or not this is a good idea,” Sen. Tim Kaine said on a call with reporters.