National Guard troops and airmen authorized to carry weapons in DC
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized almost 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.
“At the direction of the secretary of defense, JTF-DC members supporting the mission to lower the crime rate in our nation’s capital will soon be on mission with their service-issued weapons, consistent with their mission and training,” a U.S. defense official told FOX News.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, right, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum listen as President Donald Trump speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House Aug. 11, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Mark Schiefelbein/AP Photo)
VANCE SAYS NATIONAL GUARD IS ‘BUSTING THEIR A–’ IN WASHINGTON, FLOATS MISSION EXTENSION
“The Interim Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard retains the authority to make any necessary force posture adjustments in coordination with the D.C. Metropolitan Police and Federal law enforcement partners. The D.C. National Guard remains committed to safeguarding the District of Columbia and serving those who live, work, and visit the District,” the official added.
The troops could start carrying weapons in the coming days, though they will not be able to make arrests. Additionally, they will still be under orders to temporarily detain people if needed before transferring them to law enforcement as soon as possible.
South Carolina National Guard soldiers keep watch as travelers arrive at the entrance to Union Station near the Capitol Aug. 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Mariam Zuhaib/AP Photo)
NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS FROM SIX RED STATES HEAD TO DC TO HELP TACKLE CRIME
On Thursday, President Donald Trump met with law enforcement and National Guard personnel on the front lines of his crime crackdown. The president also said he was flooded with calls thanking him, telling the law enforcement personnel that it was “a great tribute to you.”
“We want to make this absolutely perfect. It’s our capital. And I guess it used to be many years ago, safe, but it’s certainly not had a, a very good run. And you got to be strong. You got to be tough. You got to do your job. Whatever it takes to do your job, you got to do your job,” Trump said.
President Donald Trump speaks with members of law enforcement and National Guard soldiers, Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Jacquelyn Martin/AP Photo)
TRUMP JOINS POLICE AND MILITARY FORCES IN WASHINGTON STREETS
The same day as Trump’s meeting with law enforcement and National Guard personnel, D.C.’s Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) confirmed to Fox News Digital that there had not been a homicide in the city for over a week, coinciding with the crackdown.
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MPD released its 2025 Year-to-Date Crime Comparison on Friday, which noted that violent crime in the city has dropped by 27% since 2024, including a 12% decrease in homicides. The city saw an 8% dip in crime over the last year, according to MPD’s report.