National Guard units in Washington, D.C., have been authorized to carry firearms as part of President Donald Trump’s crime crackdown. The D.C. National Guard has announced that members supporting Joint Task Force–DC have been given the green light to carry their service-issued M17 pistols. Some troops have already been seen armed on patrol, according to reports.
Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard, the interim commander of the D.C. National Guard, confirmed the authorization was carried out at the direction of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and in coordination with local and federal law enforcement agencies. He emphasized that the guns are for personal protection and that the troops operate under strict rules of force, including the use of de-escalation techniques. “This decision is not something taken lightly,” Blanchard said, adding that the Guard is in regular contact with its law enforcement partners and all necessary review processes are in place.
Under the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, federal armed forces are generally not allowed to be used for civilian law enforcement. However, the National Guard will be operating under Title 32 Section 502F authority, which does not fall under the restrictions of the Posse Comitatus Act. Col. Larry Doane, commander of Joint Task Force–DC, stated that the task force members are trained to integrate de-escalation techniques into their use of force protocols. “Incorporating all of these measures ensures they are fully prepared to support law enforcement and safeguard the residents of Washington, D.C.”
President Trump activated the National Guard in Washington, D.C., earlier this month to address rising violent crime in the city. Nearly 2,300 Guard soldiers and airmen from Washington, D.C., and six other states have been mobilized, according to a Joint Task Force spokesperson. Under direct presidential authority, Guard members have been posted at key locations such as monuments, checkpoints, and traffic stops across all eight wards. Their mission involves deterring crime and maintaining a visible security presence, including patrols at Metro stations, Union Station, the National Mall, and alongside U.S. Park Police.
A Defense Department official told Fox News Digital that members of Joint Task Force–DC will soon deploy with their service-issued weapons, in line with their training and mission to reduce crime in the nation’s capital. The official added that the interim commander has the authority to adjust how these forces are utilized in conjunction with D.C. police and federal law enforcement partners. The operation has already yielded results, with at least 465 arrests reported. Trump has stated that he plans to expand the D.C. mission to other cities, including Chicago and New York, following the success.
Officials have also linked the D.C. operation to broader efforts to beautify the city in preparation for the 250th Independence Day celebration next year. The move has sparked discussions about the role of the National Guard in civilian law enforcement, with some viewing it as a necessary step to improve safety while others raise concerns about its implications. As the situation continues to unfold, the full impact of this decision on both public safety and the legal landscape of military involvement in law enforcement remains to be seen.