Hegseth authorizes 2,000 National Guard troops to carry weapons in DC if necessary: US official

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized almost 2,000 National Guard soldiers and airmen to be armed in Washington, D.C. if their mission requires it, a U.S. official confirmed to FOX News. 

"At the direction of the Secretary of Defense, JTF-DC members supporting the mission to lower the crime rate in our nation’s capital will soon be on mission with their service-issued weapons, consistent with their mission and training," a U.S. defense official told FOX News.

VANCE SAYS NATIONAL GUARD IS 'BUSTING THEIR A--’ IN WASHINGTON, FLOATS MISSION EXTENSION

"The Interim Commanding General of the D.C. National Guard retains the authority to make any necessary force posture adjustments in coordination with the...