Particle.news
Download on the App Store
8 ARTICLES
·
1h ago

Report of Hegseth Order to Arm D.C. Guard Disputed as Force Nears 2,000

Officials say troops’ arming rules remain unchanged despite reports of new authority.

U.S. President Donald Trump visits the U.S. Park Police Anacostia Operations Facility on August 21, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Image
Image
Image

Overview

  • ABC News, citing a person familiar with the matter, reports Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed an order allowing Guard members in Washington to carry weapons if a mission requires it.
  • A Joint Task Force–DC spokesperson told Newsweek there is no change to the Guard’s arming posture, and the Pentagon and Army did not immediately comment.
  • The task force says most additional personnel are in place, bringing the deployment to nearly 2,000 soldiers and airmen from D.C. and several Republican-led states.
  • During a visit to the U.S. Park Police facility, President Donald Trump urged Guard personnel to be “strong” and suggested a larger law-enforcement role.
  • City leaders note violent crime is down 26% from 2024 to a 30-year low, and Mayor Muriel Bowser condemned the operation as an “armed militia in the Nation’s Capital.”