More National Guard Troops Arrive in DC

National Guard Troops Deployed in Washington, D.C. Amid Rising Tensions

More than 1,700 National Guard troops are expected to be stationed in Washington, D.C., in the coming days, with several Republican-led states pledging additional support. This move comes as part of a broader effort to address concerns over crime and public safety in the nation's capital. Currently, 800 local National Guard troops have been activated, and additional forces from West Virginia, Mississippi, Ohio, and South Carolina are on their way.

West Virginia has already begun sending its contingent, according to a recent update from the task force overseeing the deployment. The number of troops is expected to increase significantly in the next few days, with the goal of reaching more than 1,700 soldiers.

During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump shifted the conversation to crime in Washington, D.C. He claimed that he had quickly improved the city’s situation and that his Democratic allies had personally thanked him for his efforts. However, no concrete evidence was provided to support these claims. Many of the deployed troops remain unarmed and are stationed near tourist areas that are already under heavy police surveillance.

The presence of the National Guard has been largely symbolic, with troops seen standing near armored Humvees and posing for photos with tourists. In one instance, a National Guard member assisted a U.S. Park Police officer who had been attacked while directing traffic. Officials have stated that the Guard is not responsible for arrests but may detain individuals briefly before handing them over to law enforcement.

Under current regulations, National Guard personnel are allowed to protect federal property and defend themselves. However, they are not authorized to take over law enforcement duties. While the current deployment includes unarmed troops, officials have indicated that this may change as more soldiers arrive.

Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves announced that 200 National Guard soldiers would be sent to D.C., citing the need to combat rising crime levels. “Crime is out of control there, and it’s clear something must be done to combat it,” Reeves said. Similar commitments have come from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, who plans to send 150 military police, and South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, who will dispatch 200 Guard personnel.

Despite these deployments, the Pentagon has not yet commented on whether additional troops were requested from other states. Meanwhile, local authorities have reported 137 arrests over the weekend, with Attorney General Pamela Bondi highlighting 21 illegal firearm seizures. However, she did not specify the nature of the crimes or who made the arrests.

FBI Director Kash Patel noted that FBI agents were involved in 29 arrests, with charges ranging from DUIs to assault and property destruction. Bondi remains in charge of the military operation in D.C., which includes taking over local police responsibilities—a significant expansion of federal authority in a city that has not experienced a major crisis like the events of January 6, 2021, or a large-scale event such as an inauguration.

Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has criticized the federal surge, calling it politically motivated and disconnected from actual crime trends. “This doesn’t make sense. The numbers on the ground and the district don’t support 1,000 people from other states coming to Washington, D.C.,” she said. Crime statistics show a decline in violent crime, with a 26% decrease since 2024 and a 30-year low.

Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, has condemned the deployment as an “abuse of power.” He argued that the situation in D.C. does not justify such a large-scale response, given that crime rates are at historic lows. “This is all an opportunity for Donald Trump to play dictator in Washington, D.C.,” Van Hollen said in an interview.

As the National Guard continues to deploy, the debate over the necessity and impact of the federal intervention remains ongoing. With more troops arriving and local leaders expressing concerns, the situation in Washington, D.C. continues to draw national attention.