Washington, D.C. — A White House official confirmed over the weekend that members of the National Guard stationed in the capital may be armed as part of a heightened security response to crime, though those troops will not be authorized to make arrests. The announcement follows President Trump’s recent decision to deploy the National Guard to address growing safety concerns in the city.

According to the official, the presence of armed National Guard members aims to protect federal assets and create a secure environment for law enforcement. The official emphasized that the Guard’s mission is strictly supportive in nature, focusing on ensuring community safety and aiding local authorities without direct engagement in law enforcement actions.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Guard soldiers may begin carrying weapons soon, marking a departure from earlier instructions that prohibited them from doing so. A National Guard spokesperson reiterated that troops would be armed in line with their training, enhancing their ability to support civil authorities while maintaining public order.

Initially, a Defense Department official indicated this week that National Guard members would not carry firearms at the request of local law enforcement agencies, stating that their tools for protection would remain secured unless needed. The spokesperson reaffirmed that the operational guidelines still hold, emphasizing non-engagement in arrests.

President Trump ordered the National Guard’s deployment amid what he described as a public safety emergency in Washington, D.C., pointing to increases in violent crime and homelessness as major concerns. In support of this initiative, the president authorized the deployment of 800 National Guard members to assist the Metropolitan Police Department.

In a demonstration of broader support, West Virginia’s governor announced Saturday that he would send an additional 300 to 400 National Guard troops to the capital. This nationwide collaboration reflects a growing urgency to ensure safety in urban centers.

Despite claims of escalating violence, data from the Justice Department reflects a decline in violent crime in D.C., which reached its lowest levels in over three decades last year. Some residents have voiced their opposition to the increased military presence, arguing that it intensifies tensions rather than alleviating fears.

Compounding the atmosphere of unrest, FBI representatives reported that federal authorities made 166 arrests in connection with the public safety emergency within a week of its declaration. This rapid enforcement action has sparked mixed reactions among residents, some of whom protest against the expanded law enforcement presence.

As concerns about crime and policing strategies continue to evolve, the National Guard’s role in Washington, D.C., serves as a focal point for discussions on safety and civil liberties amid an ever-changing urban landscape.