As of Thursday morning, National Guard troops have commenced 24-hour operations around Washington, D.C., according to an official from the Department of Defense. This strategic move is part of President Donald Trump's initiative to combat crime in the city by taking control of the city's police department and deploying additional National Guard resources.
On Thursday, the National Guard's presence in Washington included a small unit stationed at both Union Station and the National Mall early in the day. A spokesperson for the joint task force overseeing the operation indicated that the intention was for residents and tourists to notice a visible military presence upon waking. Earlier in the week, National Guard troops conducted patrols along the National Mall, an area typically known for its safety, featuring museums, monuments, and vendors catering to tourists. Importantly, the Guard members on patrol are currently unarmed, and no weapons will be stored in their vehicles, according to two defense officials.
A White House official disclosed to ABC News that during the overnight hours from Wednesday to Thursday, a multi-agency federal task force executed 45 arrests, with 29 of these being immigration-related. The law enforcement teams apprehended individuals for various offenses, including first and second-degree assault, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and carrying concealed weapons. FBI Director Kash Patel also announced on X that their agency, in collaboration with other law enforcement partners in Washington, contributed to 45 arrests, with 16 linked to the recent surge in violent crime, and they seized three firearms during the operation.
On Wednesday night, law enforcement agents conducted a traffic safety compliance checkpoint on the busy 14th Street in Northwest Washington, which resulted in one arrest. This checkpoint drew protests from a group of individuals who expressed their discontent, captured in videos by Washington's ABC station, WJLA. The Army has stated that their mission is to support local law enforcement through logistics, transportation, and administrative duties, while also maintaining a visible presence around the National Mall. Col. Dave Butler, an Army spokesperson, emphasized the importance of being present at national monuments as part of their assignment.
President Trump announced on Monday plans to mobilize 800 National Guard troops to respond to what he describes as out-of-control crime in Washington, alongside taking over the Metropolitan Police Department. Despite Trump's assertions regarding rampant violent crime, D.C. police statistics indicate a downward trend in crime rates. Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser reported that the city has effectively reduced violent crime over the past two years, reaching a 30-year low. She stated, "It is true that we had a terrible spike in crime in 2023, but this is not 2023." Bowser emphasized the collaborative efforts made with the community, police, prosecutors, and federal government to achieve these results.
Defense officials have confirmed that the operation will be led by Army Col. Larry Doane, comprising 800 activated National Guard members. The troops will operate in shifts of 100 to 200 at a time, with some assigned to administrative or logistical roles to support local law enforcement. Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson noted on Thursday that the National Guard troops will remain deployed until law and order are restored in the District, as determined by the president. She remarked, "They will remain until law and order has been restored in the District, standing as the gatekeepers of our great nation's capital."
The task force overseeing the activated Guard troops will function similarly to previous operations handled by the D.C. Guard, including inaugurations and responses to crises, such as the January 6 riots. The National Park Service will also play a significant role due to its oversight of the National Mall, ensuring the area remains secure and accessible during this heightened military presence.
This report includes contributions from ABC News' Michelle Stoddart, Kelsey Walsh, and Lalee Ibssa.
