Authorization of National Guard Members to Carry Firearms in Washington, D.C.
Nearly 2,300 National Guard members stationed in Washington, D.C., have been authorized to carry their service-issued firearms, a move officials say may include M-17 handguns and M-4 rifles, according to media reports.
Administration's Justification for Deployment
The Biden administration’s successor framed the deployment as an effort to back local police, secure critical sites, and deter violent crime and theft. The White House and Pentagon describe the arming of the Guard as a practical step to restore order in parts of the capital that officials say have experienced rising criminal activity.
Historical Context and Additional Deployment Details
Earlier this month, President Trump invoked Section 740 of the D.C. Home Rule Act to assume control of the Metropolitan Police Department and initially ordered roughly 800 Guard members into the city. That force was later augmented by reinforcements from several states and by federal law enforcement units working in targeted neighborhoods.
Federal Agencies and Security Measures
Federal agencies including the FB...