The Trump administration is set to bolster security in Washington, D.C., with the deployment of an additional 500 National Guard troops. This announcement follows a tragic incident where two service members were shot near the White House.
Details of the Deployment
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the order on Wednesday while on a trip to the Dominican Republic. He stated that the Army has received the deployment request and is expediting its fulfillment.
- Additional troops will support the current presence of approximately 2,200 National Guard members in D.C.
- Of the current troops, around 900 are from the D.C. National Guard, while more than 1,200 are from various states.
Condition of the Injured Service Members
The two members of the West Virginia National Guard involved in the shooting are reported to be in critical condition. The FBI has confirmed that a suspect is in custody and undergoing treatment at a hospital.
Historical Context and Legal Challenges
This deployment is part of a broader initiative to enhance D.C. security that began in August, involving local police and federal law enforcement as well. However, the deployment has faced legal challenges. D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb has filed a lawsuit claiming the action is illegal.
A recent federal court ruling indicated that the deployment might violate federal law, but the judge has postponed enforcement of the ruling for 21 days while the Trump administration appeals.
Official Statements
In a statement to reporters, Hegseth emphasized that the recent acts of violence would not deter efforts to ensure Washington, D.C., remains “safe and beautiful.”
