Defence Secretary approves expanded National Guard patrols in Washington

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 21:51 · Archive

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has approved increased National Guard patrols in Washington using military vehicles and boats.

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth signed two memos on 29 October approving an expanded National Guard presence in Washington. The approval allows troops to use 60 military police cars, tactical vehicles, patrol boats and portable light towers during increased patrols around the capital. Troops will be permitted to carry rifles during some operations, though not in Metro rail stations.

The National Guard has previously supported law enforcement operations in Washington, patrolled neighbourhoods, dispersed homeless camps and helped with citywide cleanup efforts since President Donald Trump first deployed the force in August 2025, which he described as a crime-fighting mission. The deployment of military-style vehicles in the city represents a significant visible presence of military equipment in an urban setting.

The expanded operations come as Guard members assigned to Washington have faced several incidents. These include the arrest of a Georgia serviceman for pulling a gun on a fellow Guard member, the arrest of a Guard member for carrying an unauthorised firearm, and the shooting of a Guardsman while attempting to break up a fight.

How it is being reported

• Hegseth allows National Guard to boost DC patrols with military vehicles, boats and patrol carsDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed off on the National Guard ramping up its presence in the nation’s capital in military vehicles and boats as troops deepen their integration with local law enforcement.News4Jax · 5 Nov, 21:23
• Hegseth allows National Guard to boost DC patrols with military vehicles, boats and patrol carsDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed off on the National Guard ramping up its presence in the nation’s capital in military vehicles and boats as troops deepen their integration with local law enforcement.Clickorlando · 5 Nov, 21:23

In this story: Pete Hegseth · Donald Trump · National Guard · Washington

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