National Guard soldiers and airmen authorized to carry weapons in DC

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized nearly 2,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen to carry weapons in Washington, D.C. if their mission requires it, a U.S. official confirmed to FOX News. This decision comes as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to combat crime in the nation’s capital.

According to a U.S. defense official, “At the direction of the Secretary of Defense, JTF-DC members supporting the mission to lower the crime rate in our nation’s capital will soon be on mission with their service-issued weapons, consistent with their mission and training.”

The troops are expected to start carrying weapons in the coming days, as they work towards enhancing security and safety in Washington, D.C. This move underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the city.

As this situation continues to unfold, stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.

Written by Rachel Wolf, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.