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National Guard Troops in Washington, D.C. Ordered to Carry Weapons on Patrol

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As tensions escalate between the federal government and the nation's capital, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has directed National Guard troops in Washington, D.C. to carry service-issued weapons during patrols. This announcement comes as part of the Trump administration's "crime crackdown" in the city, which has seen a significant deployment of troops. The number of National Guard troops in the capital has grown to nearly 2,000, with soldiers arriving from Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, South Carolina, and West Virginia.

Despite the administration's claims of a crime-ridden city, statistics released by the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C. in January showed a 35 percent decline in violent crime in 2024, reaching a 30-year low. However, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that since the start of the federal takeover, there have been 719 arrests made and 91 illegal guns seized in D.C. The Trump administration has also pointed to the success of their efforts, with the president saying during a photo op that the city is "going to be the best in the world."

Key Takeaways:

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered National Guard troops to carry weapons on patrol in Washington, D.C.
  • The deployment of National Guard troops has grown to nearly 2,000, with soldiers arriving from five states.
  • The Trump administration claims to have made 719 arrests and seized 91 illegal guns in D.C. since the start of the federal takeover.
  • Statistics released by the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C. in January showed a 35 percent decline in violent crime in 2024.
  • The Trump administration has deployed troops to D.C. as part of their "crime crackdown," despite declining crime rates in recent years.
  • The deployment has been criticized by D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, who has sued President Donald Trump and other administration officials, calling it a "hostile takeover."

Statistics:

  • 719 arrests have been made in D.C. since the start of the federal takeover.
  • 91 illegal guns have been seized in D.C. since the start of the federal takeover.
  • 35 percent decline in violent crime in 2024, according to statistics released by the U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C.
  • 2,000 National Guard troops are currently deployed in Washington, D.C.
  • 5 states have contributed troops to the deployment in D.C.
  • 2024 saw a 30-year low in violent crime in D.C.

Sources:

  • Fox News
  • U.S. Attorney's Office for D.C.
  • D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb
  • President Donald Trump
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
  • U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi

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