Modified M-16 Rifle

MSNBC reporters call the weapon in the White House shooting a modified M-16, prompting C.J. Cregg to reject the claim outright as unconfirmed ballistics while she drafts a tight press statement during lockdown. In the Roosevelt Room, Josh Lyman briefs others on shots from Pennsylvania Avenue, the rifle fueling crisis tension as staff huddle amid sniper fears and terrorism talk.

4 appearances

Purpose

Assault rifle modified for firing multiple shots toward the White House

Significance

Drives C.J.'s push to control media narrative and prevent panic, reinforces lockdown urgency in Roosevelt Room discussions, and symbolizes immediate threat to President and staff during the attack

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

4 moments

S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen

Damage Control: C.J. Locks Down the Narrative

The modified M-16 is named by the on-air reporter as the weapon used; C.J. explicitly rejects that characterization on grounds of unverified ballistics, using the alleged weapon type as an example of premature speculation that must be corrected.

Before: Unconfirmed and reported on live television as the suspected weapon; possession/chain-of-custody unspecified.

After: Remains unverified in this scene; C.J. has publicly (to the reporter) demanded ballistics confirmation before allowing that detail to stand.

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S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen

Damage Control: Shaping the Line

Mentioned on air as the alleged weapon (a 'modified M-16'); this unconfirmed detail becomes the specific factual correction C.J. issues to prevent the spread of potentially inaccurate and incendiary information.

Before: Allegedly identified in live reporting but unconfirmed by authorities.

After: Publicly unconfirmed; C.J. has told the reporter to stop asserting it as fact, leaving the weapon's identification pending official ballistics.

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S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen

Roosevelt Room Lockdown — Sniper Shot, Political Threats, and the Interview Resumes

The modified M-16 is cited as the weapon used in the shots fired toward the White House; its mention escalates the episode from isolated gunfire to a terrorism framing and informs security protocol.

Before: Not present physically in the Roosevelt Room; exists as a report from law enforcement/press describing the weapon used.

After: Remains offstage as evidence in the ongoing investigation; referenced in briefings and media accounts.

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S4E20 · Evidence of Things Not Seen

Donna's Quiet Appraisal — Josh Tests Joe in Lockdown

The modified M-16 is invoked as the probable weapon used by the person who fired at the building; its mention frames the shots as terrorism and justifies the lockdown and urgent tone of questioning.

Before: Not physically present in the Roosevelt Room; referenced by security briefings and media reports as the suspected weapon type.

After: Remains offstage as the object of investigation; its mention continues to inform threat framing and media commentary.

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