National Guard Presence Increased in Washington, D.C.

On Thursday, the National Guard ramped up its security efforts in the nation’s capital, deploying around seven Humvees and other military vehicles, along with approximately 25 to 30 personnel stationed outside Union Station.

Earlier in the week, President Trump initiated the federalization of some local police forces in D.C., and the National Guard’s presence significantly expanded, particularly around Union Station and other key areas in the capital.

The Department of Defense reported that by Thursday, 800 National Guard members were stationed in Washington, D.C. Pentagon spokesman Kingsley Wilson mentioned that the troops were unarmed and were primarily there to assist federal law enforcement agencies operating in the area.

“The extent of our support can be adjusted as needed,” Wilson stated, comparing the mission to similar operations in Los Angeles. “We can temporarily detain someone and hand them over to local law enforcement.”

At Union Station specifically, Fox News Digital noted the presence of around 25 to 30 military police, four Humvees, and three MATVs. The only equipment visible with the troops was riot batons.

The National Guard is supporting various federal agencies like the FBI, ATF, Customs and Border Protection, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Secret Service.

This initiative, aimed at curbing crime in D.C., was initially set for night patrols but has since expanded to a 24/7 operation starting that Thursday.

The heightened law enforcement presence has prompted protests, with demonstrators appearing in the streets, including at Union Station. Reports indicated around 100 protesters gathered in northwest D.C. where police set up vehicle checkpoints, voicing their opposition to the increased police activity.