(NewsNation) — National Guard troops patrolling Washington, D.C., as part of President Donald Trump’s federal takeover could soon be armed, a White House official told NewsNation.
The Army said last week that Guard members would only carry weapons if necessary and would not be making arrests.
According to the White House official, since the takeover began last week, 308 people have been arrested — 68 of those on Saturday alone — and several were tied to narcotics and firearm-related offenses.
Democrats slam DC takeover: ‘Just a stunt’
Democrats have criticized the increased federal presence and pointed to local police data showing that crime rates had already been on the decline in the district.
“What’s happening here in Washington, D.C., is just a stunt. Nothing different is really happening in the U.S. Capitol today,” said Sen. Christ Murphy, D-Conn. “Crime will continue to go down whether or not there are U.S. troops here, National Guard troops here. He’s just trying to distract from the stories he doesn’t want Americans to be talking about.”
Military presence in DC set to expand
The Trump administration reportedly plans to expand its operation with a larger military presence in D.C.
The republican governors of Ohio, West Virginia and South Carolina have pledged to send hundreds of National Guard troops to the district, nearly doubling the number currently patrolling D.C. streets.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said 150 troops from his state will arrive in the coming days, joining approximately 350 from West Virginia and 200 from South Carolina.
West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said his state’s troops will provide “mission-essential equipment and specialized training” and said the mission will be federally funded.
Protests erupt as troops patrol DC
This expanded troop presence followed protests over the weekend in the nation’s capital.
Justice Department data shows violent crime in D.C. hit a 30-year low last year.
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Author: Brooke Shafer
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