National Guard Troops in DC Will Carry Weapons, Pentagon Says

National Guard troops deployed to Washington, DC, will now carry weapons, the Pentagon said, signaling a more aggressive posture after President Donald Trump warned he’s “not playing games” with the federal takeover of the city’s law enforcement.

Joint Task Force members “will soon be on mission with their service-issued weapons, consistent with their mission and training,” the Pentagon said.

The order is a reversal for the Army, which had said on Aug. 14 that weapons would be available but “remain in the armory” and that troops wouldn’t make arrests. About 2,000 National Guard soldiers have been sent to Washington in ...