National Guard begins arming in Washington, Trump hints at expanding "crime-fighting" operations to other cities
Two weeks ago, despite opposition from Democrats and protesters, US President Trump deployed hundreds of National Guard troops to Washington, citing frequent violent incidents and an excessive number of homeless people. Now, these soldiers patrolling the streets of the US capital have been authorized to carry weapons.
Reuters in the UK reported on August 24 that as part of Trump's "crime-fighting" operation, National Guard troops patrolling Washington will begin carrying weapons on the evening of the 24th. An anonymous official said the exact number of personnel carrying weapons is uncertain, but they are either equipped with M17 pistols or M4 rifles.
The National Guard task force that took over Washington issued a written statement that day clarifying that National Guard members "will only use weapons as a last resort when facing an imminent threat of death or serious personal injury."
US network NBC reported on the 25th that US Defense Secretary Esper ordered the approval of about 2,200 National Guard members carrying weapons, marking a shift in the mission of National Guard members, who previously were unarmed, supporting law enforcement by assisting community safety patrols, coordinating traffic checkpoints, and helping manage crowd movements.
According to the US military's introduction, the National Guard is a part-time force composed of reserve soldiers, who are mobilized in emergencies, overseas combat missions, and "anti-drug campaigns."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841418158327816/
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