Attorney General Pam Bondi took decisive action by terminating Elizabeth Baxter, a paralegal in the Department of Justice’s Environmental Division, following a series of incidents in which she reportedly showed blatant disrespect toward National Guard personnel stationed in Washington, DC. Baxter’s dismissal follows a pattern of disciplinary measures within the DOJ aimed at maintaining professional conduct and decorum in federal offices. Her case came shortly after the controversial behavior of another paralegal, Sean Charles Dunn, had drawn public attention, reinforcing the administration’s stance that employees who openly oppose or disrespect law enforcement personnel will face consequences. Bondi framed the firings as part of a broader effort to uphold the integrity of federal agencies while defending the priorities of the current administration, emphasizing that adherence to professional standards is non-negotiable for DOJ employees.

Baxter’s incidents began on the morning of August 18, when she arrived at the DOJ’s “4CON” building in Washington, DC. Internal reports stated that she confessed to making an obscene gesture at a National Guard member near Metro Center, accompanied by a verbal expletive directed at the guardsmen. Later that same day, surveillance footage captured her raising her middle finger toward guardsmen while verbally insulting them again. These repeated actions suggested deliberate animosity rather than a momentary lapse in judgment. Multiple witnesses within the building corroborated her behavior, noting that both the gestures and language were unmistakably inappropriate for a federal employee. The repeated nature of her actions highlighted a serious disregard for expected standards of conduct and professionalism within the Department.

The escalation continued the following week, on August 25, when Baxter openly declared to a DOJ security guard that she despised the National Guard and instructed them to “F—k off.” This confrontation marked the culmination of a series of incidents that had alarmed supervisors and colleagues alike. The repeated violations not only reflected a lack of adherence to the rules of federal service but also suggested a broader ideological opposition to the presence of law enforcement in the capital. Bondi emphasized that such conduct is unacceptable, framing Baxter’s termination as an enforcement of professional standards and the protection of workplace integrity. The formal dismissal effectively ended her tenure, sending a clear message that behavior incompatible with public service responsibilities would not be tolerated.

Baxter’s termination came shortly after the controversial case involving Sean Charles Dunn, a paralegal in the DOJ’s Criminal Division. On August 10, Dunn allegedly threw a Subway salami sandwich at a Border Protection officer in Washington, DC, while shouting obscenities and expressing opposition to law enforcement presence in the city. The incident, widely circulated via video, initially led to felony charges against Dunn, later reduced to misdemeanor assault after a grand jury declined to indict on the more serious charges. Both Dunn’s and Baxter’s cases shared a common thread: confrontations with law enforcement personnel that violated professional conduct standards. Their actions highlighted a pattern of internal dissent against the administration’s law enforcement policies, prompting swift disciplinary measures to preserve public trust and internal order.

Bondi publicly addressed the incidents, presenting the firings as part of a broader effort to reinforce respect for law enforcement and the DOJ’s mission under the current administration. In statements to the press, she emphasized that employees who opposed the department’s mission or disrespected law enforcement would no longer hold positions within the DOJ. Her remarks underscored not only adherence to procedural rules but also the importance of ideological alignment in personnel decisions. These statements generated both support and controversy, reflecting the tension between professional conduct requirements and political expectations within federal agencies. The administration’s approach signaled a firm stance on accountability and workplace decorum, intertwining behavioral standards with broader mission priorities.

The formal termination of Baxter involved a comprehensive investigation, including witness testimonies, review of security footage, and detailed documentation of her conduct. Bondi issued an official termination letter stating that Baxter was removed from her role as Paralegal Specialist in the Environmental Defense Section of the Environment and Natural Resources Division, effective immediately. The investigation concluded that repeated public disrespect toward National Guard members constituted sufficient grounds for dismissal, regardless of the employee’s past tenure or personal political beliefs. The procedural rigor demonstrated the DOJ’s commitment to enforcing internal standards and served as a warning that contemptuous behavior toward security personnel would not be tolerated within the federal workplace.

The cases of Baxter and Dunn illustrate the complex interplay of workplace conduct, political ideology, and public accountability in high-profile federal positions. Both incidents attracted national attention, reflecting broader societal debates over law enforcement presence, political loyalty, and the expectations of professionalism in government service. By terminating Baxter and pursuing charges against Dunn, Bondi reinforced a culture of accountability while addressing the challenges of managing employees whose actions intersect personal beliefs and official responsibilities. These cases serve as cautionary examples, emphasizing that federal service carries obligations extending beyond job performance, requiring respect for institutions and personnel entrusted with national security. Overall, the firings highlight the tension between individual expression and professional expectations, making clear that disrespectful or disruptive actions will result in swift consequences within the Department of Justice.