Overview

• After an initial activation of 800 D.C. National Guard members, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, West Virginia, South Carolina, and Ohio sent additional troops at the White House’s request.
• The White House says the mission is to protect federal assets, create safe conditions for law enforcement, and deter crime, while Guard units on the ground are posted near federal sites and lack arrest authority.
• Reporting indicates Guard personnel may soon begin carrying their service weapons while on patrol, shifting from the initially unarmed posture.
• An analysis of FBI data shows violent crime in Washington has fallen from pandemic-era highs, and 53 cities in the contributing states recorded higher 2024 murder rates than D.C.
• Legal pushback is mounting, with the ACLU of West Virginia suing to block Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s plan to send 300–400 Guard members, arguing he exceeded his authority.