According to a report from the Associated Press, some National Guard units patrolling the U.S. capital have begun carrying firearms, following the directive issued by Defense Secretary Hegesys last weekend to upgrade the military deployment in DC.
A photographer from the Associated Press observed on Sunday (August 24th) outside Union Station in Washington DC that members of the National Guard from South Carolina were carrying handguns in their holsters.
A Defense Department official who spoke on condition of anonymity stated that certain military units tasked with specific missions will be equipped with weapons, some with handguns and some with rifles. The official mentioned that the units carrying firearms have undergone training and operate under strict rules regarding the use of firearms.
Defense officials interviewed by the Associated Press stated that only units assigned with specific missions will carry firearms, including those patrolling various areas in the capital to enhance law enforcement forces. Personnel working in transportation or administrative departments are less likely to carry weapons.
The Joint Task Force now in charge of policing the capital issued a statement announcing that military units started carrying their assigned weapons from Sunday onwards, with guidelines specifying that the use of force should be “only as a last resort, and only in response to imminent death threats or serious bodily harm.”
The statement also mentioned that the military is committed to protecting the “safety and well-being” of Washington residents.
Currently, thousands of National Guard members and federal law enforcement officers are patrolling the streets of Washington DC, which has led to scattered protests from local residents.
In densely populated areas, residents walk past small groups of National Guard members, consisting of three to five soldiers, exchanging greetings and nods.
(This article was compiled based on reports from the Associated Press)