The Pentagon has activated the National Guard and prepared additional specialized units to address crime in Washington, D.C., according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegses during a press conference with President Donald Trump on Monday.
During this event, Trump announced a “public safety emergency” in the capital, describing it as being “overrun by violent gangs, ruthless criminals, wild youth mobs, and individuals under the influence of drugs.”
“We’re not going to let that continue,” Trump declared, invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rules Act to place the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department under federal oversight and reestablishing the National Guard.
“Expect to see police or FBI agents on the streets. There will be a significant presence,” Trump stated. “Troops will be available, and we can deploy them as needed. We have the National Guard; Pete Hegses will elaborate on that. We bring in troops if called for.”
“People might think, ‘Oh, that’s terrible.’ But… it’s needed and has been in the past,” he continued.
“This morning, we activated the D.C. National Guard, which will be managed by Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. You’ll see them out in the streets of Washington next week,” Hegses announced.
“There are other units ready as well. We are prepared to deploy more National Guard and specialized units. They are becoming stronger and are collaborating closely with law enforcement,” he said.
“As the president noted at the border, there are 10,000 troops operating in the National Defense Cooperation Area… We’ve been securing other nations for two decades, which ultimately protects us. We are also coordinating with ICE and CBP in Los Angeles. The work done by ICE officers is crucial and should not be attacked.”
“We will collaborate with all D.C. police and federal law enforcement to ensure the safety of this city. It’s a beautiful place. I support the military alongside President Trump,” Hegses remarked.
“And to the National Guard and federal law enforcement in D.C., we’ve got your back as well,” he asserted. “Stay tough. Stay strong.”
Check out the press conference below:
