NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
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.
“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.
On Thursday, President Donald Trump met with law enforcement personnel on the front lines of his crime crackdown.
“We’ve had some incredible results and results have come out, and it’s like a different place. It’s like a different city,” Trump told the crowd. The president also said he was flooded with calls thanking him for making the city safer.
The same day as Trump’s meeting with law enforcement, 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.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.