Some National Guard Troops in Washington Set to Carry Firearms

Some National Guard Troops in Washington Set to Carry Firearms

Washington, D.C. — A portion of National Guard troops deployed to the nation’s capital will now be authorized to carry firearms, officials confirmed Wednesday, marking a shift in posture from earlier in the week when Guardsmen were deployed without weapons.

The decision comes amid heightened security concerns following recent demonstrations and scattered incidents that raised fears of escalating violence in the city. Defense officials emphasized that not all Guardsmen will be armed, and that the move is designed to provide commanders with flexibility in responding to potential threats.

“This decision was made after careful consultation with law enforcement partners and local officials,” a Pentagon spokesperson said. “The safety of residents, visitors, and our personnel remains our top priority.”

National Guard troops were activated in Washington last week to assist local police with crowd control, traffic management, and protective duties around government facilities. Until now, members had been carrying only protective gear and non-lethal equipment, such as batons and shields.

Allowing certain units to carry firearms, officials said, does not signal a move toward a more aggressive stance but rather reflects what they called “a measured adjustment to evolving security needs.”

Some lawmakers expressed concern about the decision, citing the risk of heightened tensions. “The presence of armed troops in the nation’s capital must be handled with extreme caution,” said Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), warning that the optics of heavily armed soldiers could inflame rather than ease tensions.

Others defended the shift, arguing that Guardsmen must be adequately prepared to defend themselves if confronted with violence. “These men and women deserve the tools to protect their own lives and those of innocent civilians,” said Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.).

For now, officials have not specified how many of the approximately several hundred Guardsmen deployed in Washington will be carrying firearms, nor where they will be stationed.

The deployment, expected to last at least through next week, is part of broader federal efforts to maintain calm in the capital amid protests, political tensions, and a series of security alerts that have kept the city on edge.