National Guard Troops Carry Sidearms in Washington, DC Crackdown
On August 24, 2025, National Guard troops in Washington, DC started carrying sidearms, following a directive from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. This move supports President Donald Trump’s ongoing anti-crime initiative, which includes federal control of the city’s police. What does this armed deployment mean for the capital’s residents and visitors?
Key Facts at a Glance
- Who: Approximately 1,900 National Guard troops from Washington, DC and six GOP-led states.
- What: Troops began carrying sidearms and, in some cases, long guns, starting August 24, 2025.
- When: Directive issued by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on August 22, 2025.
- Where: Patrols in Logan Circle, The Wharf, and near the Washington Monument.
- Why: Part of Trump’s initiative to address perceived crime issues in the capital.
- How: Federal takeover of DC’s Metropolitan Police Department began August 12, 2025.
Context & Background
President Trump’s anti-crime agenda in Washington, DC intensified in August 2025, with the deployment of 800 DC National Guard members on August 12, followed by additional troops from West Virginia, South Carolina, Ohio, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Tennessee. The administration cites a crime emergency, though DC police data shows a 26% decrease in violent crime compared to 2024. The federalization of the Metropolitan Police Department, enabled by the District of Columbia Home Rule Act of 1973, allows the president to control local policing for 30 days. This has sparked debate, with critics like Mayor Muriel Bowser questioning the necessity and motives of the intervention. CNN | DC Government
Reactions & Statements
A Joint Task Force spokesperson confirmed to CNN that National Guard members began carrying sidearms on August 24, 2025, following Hegseth’s directive. No direct quotes from Trump, Hegseth, or local officials were available in the provided source. DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, in prior statements, called the federal takeover “unsettling and unprecedented,” emphasizing the city’s crime reduction efforts. No additional on-record statements were available at press time.
What It Means / Broader Impact
Analysis: The arming of National Guard troops escalates the federal presence in Washington, DC, potentially heightening tensions with residents who oppose the intervention. The focus on low-crime tourist areas like the National Mall, rather than high-crime zones, suggests a symbolic show of force. The surge in immigration-related arrests since August 12 raises concerns about the initiative’s priorities, with critics arguing it targets vulnerable communities over addressing violent crime. For residents, the visible military presence may affect daily life, from commuting to tourism, while fueling debates over local autonomy versus federal control.
Timeline
- August 11, 2025: Trump announces deployment of 800 DC National Guard troops.
- August 12, 2025: Federal takeover of DC’s Metropolitan Police Department begins.
- August 17–18, 2025: GOP-led states pledge over 1,100 additional troops.
- August 22, 2025: Defense Secretary Hegseth authorizes National Guard to carry weapons.
- August 24, 2025: Troops observed carrying sidearms and long guns in DC neighborhoods.
Conclusion
The decision to arm National Guard troops in Washington, DC marks a significant step in Trump’s anti-crime strategy, despite data showing declining crime rates. As the capital navigates this federal intervention, NewsVeil will continue to monitor developments. Share your thoughts in the comments or follow us for updates.
