National Guard Patrols Begin in DC

Trump’s plan to address crime in Washington DC involves 800 National Guard troops patrolling around the National Mall with 24 hour shifts, a move that sparks debate over safety and civil liberties.

National Guard Deploys 24 Hour Patrols in Washington DC

The Defense Department confirms 800 National Guard members will be activated to support Washington, D.C. police in a bid to curb crime. Troops will operate in shifts of 100 to 200 personnel and focus on logistics, transportation, and administration while remaining visibly present near the National Mall and Union Station. A first small unit was deployed early Thursday, and authorities say the 24 hour presence will continue as the operation unfolds. Weapons are not carried in patrols initially.

Officials describe the mission as temporary and strictly supportive, not frontline policing. Agency updates show 45 arrests overnight in a multiagency operation, including 29 immigration-related arrests and three firearms seizures. The FBI contributed to the effort while guards stay weaponless in vehicles. Mayor Muriel Bowser noted crime trends have fallen to a 30 year low and urged ongoing cooperation with federal partners. Critics warn the plan could blur lines between local rule and federal authority and raise civil liberties concerns while taxpayers weigh the costs of such a deployment.

This move marks a notable shift in how the federal government addresses public safety in a city that houses national power. Supporters argue a visible, well-coordinated force can deter crime and reassure residents and visitors. Opponents warn it risks civil liberties, inflames political tensions, and sets a precedent for federal involvement in city policing. The plan also tests public tolerance for military presence in a place renowned for museums and monuments, not security drills. If this lasts beyond a few days, it could redefine Washington’s sense of normalcy and fuel ongoing debates about jurisdiction and accountability.

Highlights

The coming days will test how security measures align with public trust in local government.