Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized National Guard troops deployed to Washington to bring their weapons with them on their mission. But it was not clear whether the troops would be armed as they walked through the city, or simply store their weapons in their vehicles, which would not be a significant change over their current status.
The decision on whether they will be armed will ultimately be made by Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, the interim commanding general of the D.C. National Guard.
General Blanchard will coordinate with the D.C. Metropolitan Police and federal law enforcement, a Defense Department official said.
President Trump ordered the deployment, saying that the troops would help an array of federal agents crack down on crime in the city. But much about their exact mission remains vague.
An Army National Guard spokeswoman said this week that Guard members “may be armed consistent with their mission and training.” But as of Friday, troops stationed in Washington were in many cases still storing their weapons in secure rooms at the D.C. Armory.
Mr. Hegseth’s decision to sign an authorization order, allowing the troops to carry weapons, was reported earlier by ABC News.
Military officials have downplayed the likelihood that the troops will carry weapons as they walk the streets. Army officials appear to be eager to keep the soldiers in a support role as the police and federal agents focus on the law enforcement mission.
Nearly 2,000 troops are in the process of being mobilized for the mission in Washington. Most who have been dispatched do not have law enforcement training. They could also be at risk if someone lunged for their weapon while they were frisking them or in close contact, officials said.
The first wave of about 800 National Guard troops came from the D.C. National Guard, which the president can call out directly. They are being augmented by soldiers from Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina and West Virginia, according to the governors of those states.
Most of the troops have been deployed to tourist-heavy parts of the city, including near the National Mall, entertainment sites and Metro stations in those areas.
Greg Jaffe covers the Pentagon and the U.S. military.
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