Hegseth allows National Guard to boost DC patrols with military vehicles, boats and patrol cars

PBS NewsHour · Kim Chandler; David Fischer; Associated Press · 2026-11-05 23:31 UTC

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed off on the National Guard ramping up its presence in the nation’s capital in military vehicles and boats as troops deepen their integration with local law enforcement.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has signed off on the National Guard ramping up its presence in the nation's capital in military vehicles and boats as troops deepen their integration with local law enforcement.

WATCH: The effectiveness and cost of the National Guard deployment in D.C.

In two memos signed Oct. 29 and obtained by The Associated Press, Hegseth approved the National Guard to use 60 military police cars as well as tactical vehicles, patrol boats and portable light towers during increased patrols around Washington. Troops will also be able to carry rifles during some operations but not in Metro rail stations.

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