National Guard Troops in D.C. Authorized to Carry Firearms for Personal Protection
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized 2,000 National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., to carry firearms for personal protection, with strict rules for use of force.
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Overview
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized approximately 2,000 National Guard troops deployed in Washington, D.C., to carry firearms for personal protection during their patrols.
- Currently, nearly 2,300 National Guard soldiers and airmen from D.C. and six states are mobilized in the nation's capital, now armed with service-issued weapons.
- The primary weapons carried by these troops are M17 pistols, with a smaller contingent also equipped with M4 rifles for their security duties.
- Strict rules for the use of force mandate de-escalation techniques, emphasizing that weapons are only to be used as a last resort.
- Firearms are authorized solely against imminent threats of death or serious bodily harm, ensuring a measured and protective response from the Guard.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources cover this story neutrally by presenting a balanced account of the National Guard's arming and deployment in D.C. They include official statements, contrasting political viewpoints on crime statistics, and expert analysis on the deployment's justification and cost, allowing readers to form their own conclusions without editorial bias.
"Now that some are armed, it is unclear whether their tasks will expand to security patrols in neighborhoods that struggle with crime."
Military TimesArticles (7)
FAQ
The authorization was part of an effort directed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and coordinated with local and federal law enforcement to enhance safety during National Guard patrols amid initiatives to slash violent crime in the capital.
The primary weapons carried by National Guard troops are M17 pistols, with some troops also equipped with M4 rifles for security duties.
Troops must follow strict rules of engagement that emphasize de-escalation techniques and authorize firearm use only as a last resort against imminent threats of death or serious bodily harm.
The Posse Comitatus Act generally prohibits federal armed forces from participating in civilian law enforcement, but the National Guard in D.C. operates under Title 32 Section 502F authority, which exempts them from this prohibition during the mission.
Yes, the operation's success in D.C. has led officials to indicate plans to broaden the mission to cities such as Chicago and New York to enhance public safety.
History
- 23d
4 articles