Pentagon says every national guard soldier deployed in Washington DC ‘is now armed’

The GuardianTuesday, December 2, 2025 at 7:22:48 PM
Pentagon says every national guard soldier deployed in Washington DC ‘is now armed’
  • The Pentagon announced that all 2,375 National Guard soldiers deployed in Washington, D.C. are now armed with live weapons, marking a significant change in the rules of engagement for domestic military deployments. This decision comes amid heightened security concerns following a recent shooting incident involving National Guard members near the White House.
  • The arming of National Guard troops is a response to the increasing threats faced by military personnel in urban settings, particularly after the targeted shooting that left two members critically injured. This move aims to enhance the safety and security of both the troops and the public in Washington, D.C.
  • This development reflects broader tensions surrounding domestic security and military involvement in civilian areas, especially in light of recent violent incidents. The decision to arm the National Guard and conduct joint patrols with local police underscores a growing reliance on military presence in urban law enforcement, raising questions about the implications for civil liberties and the politicization of the military.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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