Troops Arrive to Support Local Law Enforcement
WASHINGTON — National Guard troops began arriving at the D.C. Armory on Tuesday to carry out President Donald Trump’s directive to combat crime in the nation’s capital.
The deployment, ordered on Monday, involves approximately 800 soldiers mobilized by the Army to assist local law enforcement operations. Guard members, dressed in military uniforms, reported to the D.C. National Guard headquarters located east of the U.S. Capitol.
Early Deployment Already Underway
Some Troops Join D.C. Police Operations
A senior Army official told NBC News that a portion of the troops began working with D.C. police on Tuesday night. Full deployment is expected by the end of the week.
By Tuesday evening, five military vehicles were stationed near the Washington Monument, where tourists passed by as about a dozen guard members stood nearby but declined to speak to reporters about their mission.
Mission and Responsibilities
Crowd Management and Perimeter Security
According to a defense official, the National Guard’s role will include:
- Crowd management
- Perimeter control
- Security support
- Communications assistance for law enforcement
In most cases, guard members will not be armed while on duty.
Duration of Deployment
Trump’s memorandum states the mobilization will end when he determines that “conditions of law and order have been restored in the District of Columbia.” However, troops were informed that their deployment is scheduled to last until September 25.
White House Statement on the Operation
A White House spokesperson explained Monday that the National Guard is being deployed to:
- Protect federal assets
- Provide a secure environment for law enforcement to make arrests
- Deter violent crime through a visible law enforcement presence
