Updated Aug 25, 2025 - Politics & Policy

Scenes from D.C. as National Guard patrols start carrying weapons

Rebecca Falconer

Group of uniformed military personnel and police officers gathered around a white police SUV at night, illuminated by streetlights and red-blue emergency lights. — National Guard members working alongside D.C. police and the FBI in 14th Street on Aug. 25. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

National Guard troops on patrol in D.C. for President Trump's crime crackdown on the national capital began carrying weapons Sunday night, the U.S. military said.

The big picture: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the action on Friday and a Joint Task Force-DC spokesperson confirmed troops were "cleared to carry their service-issue weapon" late Sunday.

District of Columbia National Guard tweet showing members in uniform fixing a vehicle, standing in formation outdoors, patrolling a city street at night, and a close-up of a soldier adjusting gear. — "Task force personnel operate under the established Rules for the Use of Force, which allow the use of force only as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm," the spokesperson said. Screenshot: D.C. National Guard/X

Two smiling soldiers in camouflage uniforms and tactical gear walking in a well-lit arched corridor with white walls and hanging lamps at night. — National Guard members patrol Union Station on Aug. 24 in D.C. "JTF-DC remains committed to protecting the safety and wellbeing of the residents of the District of Columbia," the spokesperson added. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Four soldiers in camouflage uniforms walking through a shopping mall corridor with stores and colorful hanging signs like "QUAVARO," "Van Leeuwen," and "CHIBOO." — National Guard members patrol Union Station on Aug. 24. About 2,000 troops from D.C. and some Republican-led states have been deployed for the crackdown. Photo: Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Two soldiers in camouflage gear stand in front of a beige military Humvee outside a large stone government building with arches and windows. — National Guard members at Union Station on Aug. 24. Military officials told media some troops may carry M4 carbine rifles or M17 pistols. Photo: Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu via Getty Images

Three soldiers in camouflage uniforms standing guard in a marble building entrance beneath a sign reading "SHOPS." Decorative red and white interior visible in the background. — National Guard members at Union Station on Aug. 24. The Defense Department's "rapid response" team said on X on Aug. 24: "Our Guardsmen are focused on protecting federal assets and providing a safe environment for law enforcement officers making arrests. The streets of Washington D.C. are SAFER because of them." Photo: Yasin Ozturk/Anadolu via Getty Images

Go deeper: GOP-led states sending National Guard troops to D.C.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with more photos and comment from the Defense Department's "rapid response" team.

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Scenes from D.C. as National Guard patrols start carrying weapons

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