Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized nearly 2,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen to be armed in Washington, D.C. if their mission requires it, a U.S. official confirmed to FOX News. This decision follows a broader Trump administration strategy to address concerns over rising crime rates in the nation’s capital. The authorization comes as part of an ongoing effort to utilize military resources to support civilian law enforcement in high-risk areas.
The National Guard units, which are typically deployed for humanitarian and disaster relief operations, will now carry service-issued weapons as part of their mission to reduce crime. According to a U.S. defense official, the move is consistent with their training and operational requirements. The Interim Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard retains the authority to adjust force posture in coordination with the D.C. Metropolitan Police and Federal law enforcement partners. This coordination is intended to ensure that the military’s role complements rather than replaces traditional law enforcement capabilities.
The decision has drawn mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Law enforcement agencies have expressed concern over the potential for militarization of policing, while some community leaders have criticized the approach as an overreach of federal power. Critics argue that the strategy does not address the root causes of crime, such as poverty and lack of access to education and healthcare. Supporters, however, believe that the deployment of armed National Guard units can provide an immediate and effective deterrent to violent crime in the city.
Under the current guidelines, the National Guard troops will not be authorized to make arrests. Instead, they will be instructed to temporarily detain individuals if necessary before transferring them to law enforcement authorities as soon as possible. The exact timeline for the implementation of this measure has not been disclosed, although a U.S. official noted that the troops could begin carrying weapons in the coming days. The decision reflects an increasing trend of leveraging military resources to address public safety concerns, a practice that has raised questions about the role of the armed forces in domestic affairs.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.