National Guard troops stationed in Washington, D.C., will begin carrying weapons Sunday evening, just two days after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the move — a controversial escalation in federal involvement in local policing.
The decision to arm the troops comes despite D.C. currently experiencing its lowest violent crime rate in 30 years. Critics argue the deployment represents one of the most aggressive federal interventions in the city’s affairs in recent memory, especially as it was ordered without input from local leaders.
City officials, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, have condemned the move, calling it “unsettling,” “unprecedented,” and “dangerous.”
A spokesperson for the Joint Task Force–DC (JTF-DC) told Newsweek that service members would be authorized to carry their standard-issue weapons starting Sunday evening. They emphasized that the weapons are only to be used “as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm.”
“Task force personnel operate under established Rules for the Use of Force,” the spokesperson said. “We remain committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of D.C. residents.”
While Hegseth authorized the use of weapons last Friday, the ultimate decision to arm troops was left to the Interim Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard, who may adjust troop posture as needed. As of Friday, JTF-DC had reported “no change” in its arming policy, and it remains unclear what prompted the shift over the weekend.
The order applies to all National Guard personnel under JTF-DC, which will include roughly 2,000 troops once reinforcements from other states arrive. In addition to the 800 already stationed in the capital, troops are being sent from West Virginia (300–400), South Carolina (200), Ohio (150), Louisiana (135), Mississippi (200), and Tennessee (160).
Public Reaction
President Donald Trump praised the deployment in a post on Truth Social, writing:
“Washington, D.C. is SAFE AGAIN! The crowds are coming back, the spirit is high, and our D.C. National Guard and Police are doing a fantastic job. They are out in force, and are NOT PLAYING GAMES!!! As bad as it sounds to say, there were no murders this week for the first time in memory. Mayor Muriel Bowser must immediately stop giving false and highly inaccurate crime figures, or bad things will happen, including a complete and total Federal takeover of the City! Washington D.C. will soon be great again!!!”
Mayor Bowser responded earlier this month on X, noting the city’s progress in crime reduction:
“Violent crime in DC is at its lowest level in 30 years. We had an unacceptable spike in 2023, so we changed our laws and strategies. Now, crime levels are not only down from 2023, but from before the pandemic. Our tactics are working, and we aren’t taking our foot off the gas.”
The deployment — and now the arming — of federal troops in the capital is expected to fuel continued debate over federal authority, local governance, and public safety.