Some of the National Guard troops sent to Washington to maintain order will be armed, US media reported on Monday.
Some of the National Guard troops sent to Washington, D.C., will carry firearms to carry out missions in the city, two US officials said. One source clarified that not all troops will be armed.
The issuance of weapons to National Guard troops is a change in their duties since they began arriving in the US capital this week.
Major Melissa Heinz, a spokeswoman for the National Guard’s joint operations group, noted that personnel may carry weapons. “Their mission is to support civilian authorities and ensure the safety of the community they serve,” she said.
Last week, US President Donald Trump said that the crime rate in the American capital is one of the highest in the world. On his command, National Guard forces were called in to restore order and maintain security, and the capital’s police force was placed under federal control. The transfer of 800 National Guard troops to the capital has begun.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster is sending 200 National Guard troops to Washington. West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrissey announced the deployment of 300-400 National Guard troops, while Ohio Governor Mike DeWine sent 150 National Guard troops.
An increased presence of law enforcement officers has been noted on the streets of the capital; federal agency employees and local police have set up checkpoints in a number of city areas. A significant number of military personnel and security personnel have appeared on National Mall and Union Station, near Washington’s historic districts.
