Some National Guard troops in Washington set to carry firearms

Some national guard troops have been deployed to Washington, DC, will begin to carry firearms to carry out its mission in the city, two US officials said in NBC News. All troops will not carry weapons, said a manager.

The armaments of the troops have marked a change since the members of the guard were deployed for the first time in the district earlier this week. They were responsible for treating crime and homeless in the capital.

A spokesperson for the joint working group said in a statement that the members of the guard “could be armed in accordance with their mission and their training”.

“Their presence is focused on supporting civil authorities and guaranteeing the security of the community they serve. The DC National Guard remains determined to help the District of Columbia and to serve its residents and visitors each time called,” said the spokesman for the National Guard of Air Melissa Heintz.

Heintz also said that the Secretary of Defense “is authorized to mobilize additional National Guard forces, in the event of coordination, with governors of the States”.

In a statement, a White House official confirmed that the troops of the National Guard had been called to DC, saying: “As part of President Trump’s continuous efforts to make DC sure and beautiful, the troops of the additional National Guard will be called to Washington DC – The role of the National Guard has not changed.

Several Republican governors announced on Saturday that they were deploying some of the troops of the National Guard of their states to help Trump’s efforts in the national capital.

The governor of Virginia-Western, Patrick Morrisey, announced on Saturday afternoon that he deploys 300-400 soldiers to DC, more “essential equipment” and “specialized training”.

“Virginia-Western is proud to stand with President Trump in his efforts to restore the pride and beauty of the capital of our country,” said Morrisey in a statement. “The men and women of our national guard represent the best of our state, and this mission reflects our common commitment to a strong and secure America.”

South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster said on Saturday evening in a statement that he authorized the deployment of 200 of his state guards in Washington at the request of the Pentagon. McMaster stipulated that the troops were subject to an “immediate reminder” if a natural disaster like a hurricane occurred and that the state needed it.

The Hurricane season in the United States is in full swing, from June to November, according to the National Weather Service. The first major hurricane of the year was formed this week. On Saturday evening, he was seated at a category 4 storm. The Associated Press previously reported that he was not planned to hit land. South Carolina is one of the most vulnerable states to hurricanes and tropical storms, according to the state emergency management division.

“Southern Carolina is proud to stand with President Trump while working to restore the law and order to the capital of our country and to ensure security for all those who live, work and visit,” said McMaster.

Ohio Governor Mike Dewine published a statement on Saturday evening in which he said that the army secretary asked the State to send 150 military police officers from the Ohio National Guard to Washington.

“These members of the Ohio National Guard will perform presence patrols and serve additional security. None of these members of the military police are currently used as Ohio State Agents,” said Dewine, adding that the guards should arrive in the district in the coming days.

Governors’ movements come only a few days after President Donald Trump announced that he was deploying 800 National Guard members to DC and leading federal law agents to help local police patrol and execute mandates in the city.

“When you walk on the street, you will see the police or you will see FBI agents,” Trump told journalists on Monday. “We are going to have many agents in the street. You are going to have a lot, essentially military. And we will bring the army if necessary. ”

Trump’s declared goal to repress crime to Washington occurs while crime rates in the city have been at their lowest levels for decades.

Residents of Washington almost immediately started to notice an increase in the police in the streets, while the local police and the federal police have set up control points in the city districts.

Residents and tourists also noticed the increased presence of soldiers and police in tourist areas like Union Station and the National Mall.

Initially, the Attorney General Pam Bondi sought to regain control of the metropolitan police service, but fell after the city continued the Trump administration. Chef Pamela Smith remains in daily control of the city’s police forces.

The Democrats criticized the president’s decision, the leader of the minority of the Hakeem Jeffries Chamber qualifying the move earlier this week “illegitimate” and an “unjustified power”.