A White House official told CBS News on Saturday that the members of the National Guard posted in Washington, DC, as part of President Trump’s attempt To address crime in the nation’s capital and Control The police force of the city may “be armed,” but the guards will not arrest.
“The National Guard is not arresting at the moment – they can be armed, can suit their missions and training, to protect federal property, provide a safe environment to arrest law enforcement officers, and prevent violent crime with a visual law enforcement appearance,” the official said.
The Wall Street Journal Was to report earlier On Saturday that National Guard soldiers in DC are ready to carry arms in the coming days – a change with previous guidance.
In a statement given to CBS News on Saturday on Saturday, a National Guard spokesperson said that the guard members posted may “be armed for their missions and training,” saying that “their presence focuses on supporting civil officials and ensuring safety of the community he serves.”
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A Defense Department official on Thursday told CBS News that the members of the National Guard posted would not be armed at the request of the law enforcement partners. The officer also said that their vehicles would not have weapons.
“They are equipped with individual protective equipment to include body armor; weapons are available when weapons are available, but will remain in the arsenal,” said the US Army. statement Earlier this week.
The army also said in its statement that the guard would not arrest.
The President deployed the National Guard at DC on Monday. Citing violent crime and being homeless, Mr. Trump announced a public safety emergency and placed the city’s metropolitan police department under federal control. The President also deployed 800 National Guard members in the city.
The President said during a news conference on Monday, “I am deploying the National Guard to help re -establish laws, orders and public safety in Washington, DC, and they are being allowed to do their work properly.”
On Saturday, Republican Governor of West Virginia Announced He will also deploy about 300 to 400 in DC of the state’s national guard members.
Violent crime in DC hit its lowest level in more than 30 years in 2024, according to Justice DepartmentSome DC residents are now protesting against increased law enforcement appearance.
In a social media post on Saturday, FBI spokesman Ben Williamson Said Federal officials have made 166 arrests in DC in the week as Mr. Trump declared public safety emergency.
