Guard to add Humvees and boats to D.C. streets
A new Pentagon memo expands the equipment available to troops in Washington, D.C., days after the presidential election.
By Alyssa Parker ·
The National Guard will soon drive Humvees and patrol in boats in Washington, D.C.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed a memo on Oct. 29 that allows the Guard to use military vehicles, marked police cars, and watercraft. The plan was first reported by Politico. This follows President Donald Trump's declaration of a crime emergency in the capital.
The memo specifies that 60 marked military police cars and light towers will be deployed. The document suggests the troops will take on a larger role in anti-gang and drug trafficking operations. No specific reason was given for the increase in resources.
D.C. Council Public Safety Committee Chair Brooke Pinto called the move an "anathema to public safety." She stated that the Guard is "undermining our goals" and is "un-American." Pinto asked newly elected Democratic governors in Nevada, Texas, Iowa, Ohio, and Georgia to withdraw their troops when they assume office.
She argued that these states should keep their National Guard units at home. Pinto said, "It's a really meaningful way that they can help stand up for our city and our autonomy." She also urged Democrats in Congress to increase oversight of the federal police presence when they gain the majority in January.
Emily Cassometus, an assistant professor of law at the University of the District of Columbia, described the timing as a "clear escalation." She noted concern that higher levels of weaponry are entering the District immediately after the Tuesday election. The group Free DC issued a statement calling the move the act of an unpopular regime that is losing power.
The organization said the soldiers are in D.C. to protect the Trump regime. It noted that the city has been under occupation for 451 days.
