1:05Members of the D.C. National Guard are stationed along Constitution Avenue near the White House and Washington Monument on August 17, 2025, in Washington, DC.Samuel Corum/Getty Images
An additional influx of National Guard troops is anticipated to arrive in Washington, D.C., in the upcoming days, with at least four Republican-led states extending offers to dispatch more soldiers to supplement the 800 D.C. National Guard members already mobilized by President Donald Trump, according to the governors of those states.
According to a Sunday evening update from the task force managing Guard personnel in D.C., troops from West Virginia have commenced their arrival in the nation’s capital. The total number is projected to exceed 1,700 in the coming days as reinforcements arrive from Mississippi, Ohio, and South Carolina.
During a meeting on Monday in the Oval Office with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine, Trump shifted the discussion to crime in D.C. The president asserted that he transformed the city within a matter of days and claimed that Democratic allies reached out to personally express their gratitude.
A National Guard Oshkosh M-ATV vehicle is stationed outside Union Station following Donald Trump’s deployment of the National Guard and an increased federal law enforcement presence to support crime prevention efforts in Washington, D.C., on August 17, 2025.Alexander Drago/Reuters
The president did not provide evidence indicating a reduction in crime incidents, as many of the troops dispatched to the city remain unarmed and positioned in tourist areas that are already under heavy law enforcement surveillance.
Over the weekend, troops were observed stationed throughout the largely quiet city, standing beside armored Humvees and taking photos with tourists. In one instance, a National Guard member assisted a U.S. Park Police officer who had been assaulted while managing traffic, as reported by the National Guard, which did not provide additional details.
Officials stated that Guard personnel are not making arrests but may briefly detain individuals if necessary before transferring them to local law enforcement. By law, troops are authorized to safeguard federal property and personnel. They are also permitted to protect themselves but must leave law enforcement responsibilities to local police.
Currently, the Guard personnel deployed in Washington are unarmed; however, officials anticipate this will change as additional troops arrive.
Members of the D.C. National Guard are stationed along Constitution Avenue near the White House and Washington Monument on August 17, 2025, in Washington, DC.Samuel Corum/Getty Images
On Monday, Mississippi became the latest Republican-led state to activate Guard troops and send them to D.C. Governor Tate Reeves announced plans to deploy 200 Guard soldiers.
"Crime is spiraling out of control there, and it’s evident that action is necessary to address it," Reeves stated in a release. "Americans deserve a secure capital city that we can all take pride in. I’m confident that the courageous men and women of our National Guard will excel in enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement."
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine mentioned in a statement that he has been requested to send 150 military police from the Ohio National Guard, who are expected to arrive shortly.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster stated in a press release that he is sending 200 Guard personnel.
The Pentagon has not yet responded to inquiries for comments or indicated whether it has sought additional personnel from other states.
Washington, D.C., recorded 137 arrests over the weekend, as stated by Attorney General Pamela Bondi in a post on X on Monday morning. Besides mentioning 21 illegal firearm seizures, Bondi did not specify the nature of the crimes associated with the arrests, nor did she detail who conducted them.
Sourse: abcnews.go.com
