US National Guard troops in Washington to begin carrying weapons, officials say

Members of the Ohio National Guard wear their sidearms while patrolling the Logan Circle neighborhood in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 24, 2025. REUTERS/Brian Snyder

(Reuters) -U.S. National Guard troops patrolling the streets of Washington D.C. as part of what President Donald Trump said was his crackdown on crime will begin carrying weapons on Sunday night, two officials said.

The exact number of troops who would carry their weapons was fluid, but they will either carry their M17 pistols or M4 rifles, according to the officials who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the matter.