National Guard in D.C. authorised to carry firearms

National Guard troops in Washington D.C. have begun carrying firearms to support President Trump’s crime crackdown.

According to NBC News, the majority will use M17 pistols, while some will carry M4 rifles for self-protection and to respond to imminent threats.

Troops tasked with safety and security will be armed, while those involved in community restoration will likely remain unarmed.

Armed troops were seen patrolling Chinatown, marked as military police.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the deployment of approximately 2,000 National Guard members to D.C., changing their prior unarmed status.

Deployment Impact

The federal task force is responding to local police requests for increased guard presence at metro locations as schools reopen.

Guard members receive comprehensive training and are currently focused on protecting federal assets rather than making arrests.

Over 2,200 soldiers from various states assist in combating crime and homelessness, although Democrats have criticised the deployment as politically motivated.