Hegseth Approves More Armed National Guard Patrols in DC
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved the National Guard increasing its presence in the capital with military vehicles and boats as troops strengthen their collaboration with local law enforcement.
In two memos dated Oct. 29 and acquired by The Associated Press, Hegseth authorized the National Guard to employ 60 military police vehicles along with tactical vehicles, patrol boats, and portable light towers during heightened patrols in the Washington area. Soldiers will be permitted to carry rifles during select missions, excluding Metro rail stations.
The presence of vehicles appearing more suited for a battlefield than an urban roadway will remind one of when President Donald Trump initially deployed the National Guard in August 2025 for what he referred to as a crime-fighting effort. Armed troops and tactical vehicles were first spotted at several landmarks in Washington.
Members of the National Guard have aided law enforcement activities, monitored neighborhoods, cleared homeless encampments, and assisted with citywide cleanup initiatives.
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An increase in troop presence coincides with mounting problems involving Guard members stationed in the city, including the apprehension of a Georgia serviceman for threatening another Guard member with a gun, the arrest of a Guard member for possessing an unauthorized firearm, and the shooting of a Guardsman while attempting to diffuse a confrontation.
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The memos indicate that "visibility patrols," a key aspect of the Guard's mission in Washington, will be increased, and 20 light towers will be utilized to "improve force protection in patrol areas." However, Hegseth argues that the highest number of deployed Guard members would remain at 3,500, which is fewer than the summer peak of roughly 5,000 during the nation's 250th anniversary festivities.
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Hegseth approved the National Guard's use of patrol cars and tactical vehicles to assist law enforcement activities, emphasizing that the patrol cars must display "National Guard" markings and troops must wear their uniforms. "Two National Guard patrol vessels will also be utilized 'to deliver operational maritime assistance.'" The directives prohibit soldiers from engaging in high-speed pursuits.
The memos indicate that soldiers will assume a bigger responsibility in confronting "gangs and drug dealers." Hegseth is supplying six analysts "to tackle organized drug trafficking in DC," and soldiers aiding anti-gang and drug efforts will now have the option to carry rifles alongside their standard pistols.