Pete Hegseth says 2,000 armed National Guard troops authorized to patrol DC

( Post Millennial )

Defense Secretary has authorized 2,000 armed National Guard troops patrol Washington, DC, if necessary.

Hegseth has made the authorization of the 2,000 National Guard troops and airmen on Thursday, per a report from Fox News, citing a US official.

"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," the defense official told the outlet.

"The Interim Commanding General of the DC National Guard retains the authority to make any necessary force posture adjustments in coordination with the DC Metropolitan Police and Federal law enforcement partners. The DC National Guard remains committed to safeguarding the District of Columbia and serving those who live, work, and visit the District," the official added in a statement.

Troops around DC could be seen with weapons soon in coming days, however, they will not be making arrests. The troops will still have the ability to temporarily detain people before suspects are transferred to law enforcement.

Trump went out with law enforcement in the capital city on Thursday, greeting police officers and other personnel where the president also brought pizza and hamburgers for them to have.

"We want to make this absolutely perfect. It's our capital. And, I guess it used to be many years ago, safe, but it's certainly not had a, a very good run. And you got to be strong. You got to be tough. You got to do your job. Whatever it takes to do your job, you got to do your job," Trump told the law enforcement officers.