Some National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C., will begin carrying firearms to conduct their mission in the city, two U.S. officials told NBC News. Not all troops will carry weapons, one official said.
The arming of the troops marks a change since Guard members were first deployed to the district earlier this week. They were tasked with addressing crime and homelessness in the capital.
A spokesperson for the Joint Task Force said in a statement that Guard members “may be armed consistent with their mission and training.”
“Their presence is focused on supporting civil authorities and ensuring the safety of the community they serve. The DC National Guard remains committed to assisting the District of Columbia and serving its residents and visitors whenever called upon,” the spokesperson, Air National Guard Maj. Melissa Heintz, said.
Heintz also said that the defense secretary “is authorized to mobilize additional National Guard forces, as needed, in coordination with State Governors.”
In a statement, a White House official confirmed that National Guard troops had been called to D.C., saying, “As part of President Trump’s ongoing effort to make D.C. safe and beautiful, additional National Guard troops will be called in to Washington DC — the National Guard’s role has not changed. The National Guard will protect federal assets, create a safe environment for law enforcement officials to carry out their duties when required, and provide a visible presence to deter crime.”
Several Republican governors announced Saturday that they were deploying some of their states’ National Guard troops to aid Trump’s efforts in the nation’s capital.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced Saturday afternoon that he is deploying 300-400 troops to D.C., plus “mission-essential equipment” and “specialized training.”
“West Virginia is proud to stand with President Trump in his effort to restore pride and beauty to our nation’s capital,” Morrisey said in a statement. “The men and women of our National Guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our shared commitment to a strong and secure America.”
South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said in a statement Saturday night that he was authorizing the deployment of 200 of his state’s Guardsmen to Washington at the Pentagon’s request. McMaster stipulated that the troops were subject to “immediate recall” if a natural disaster such as a hurricane occurred and the state needed them.
Hurricane season in the U.S. is in full swing, running from June to November, according to the National Weather Service. The first major hurricane of the year formed this week. As of Saturday night, it was a Category 4 storm. The Associated Press previously reported it is not forecast to hit land. South Carolina is one of the states most vulnerable to hurricanes and tropical storms, according to the state’s Emergency Management Division.
“South Carolina is proud to stand with President Trump as he works to restore law and order to our nation’s capital and ensure safety for all who live, work, and visit there,” McMaster said.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine released a statement Saturday night saying the secretary of the Army had requested the state send 150 military police from the Ohio National Guard to Washington.
“These Ohio National Guard members will carry out presence patrols and serve as added security. None of these military police members are currently serving as law enforcement officers in the state of Ohio,” DeWine said, adding that the Guardsmen are expected to arrive to the district in the coming days.
The governors’ moves come just days after President Donald Trump announced that he was deploying 800 members of the National Guard to D.C. and directing federal law enforcement agents to assist local police with patrolling and executing warrants in the city.
“When you walk down the street, you’re going to see police or you’re going to see FBI agents,” Trump told reporters on Monday. “We’re going to have a lot of agents on the street. You’re going to have a lot of, essentially military. And we will bring in the military if it’s needed.”
Trump’s stated aim of cracking down on crime in Washington comes as crime rates in the city are at their lowest levels in decades.
Washington residents almost immediately began to notice an increase in law enforcement on the streets, as local police and federal law enforcement set up checkpoints in neighborhoods across the city.
Residents and tourists also noticed the increased presence of military and law enforcement around tourist-heavy areas like Union Station and the National Mall.
Initially, Attorney General Pam Bondi sought to take control of the Metropolitan Police Department, but backed down after the city sued the Trump administration. Chief Pamela Smith remains in day-to-day control of the city’s police force.
Democrats have slammed the president’s decision, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., this week calling the move “illegitimate” and an “unjustified power grab.”
