The War Department confirmed Tuesday that every National Guard member patrolling Washington, D.C., is now fully armed. This crucial decision protects our deployed troops and aligns with the Trump administration’s commitment to Law and Order missions.
War Department press secretary Kingsley Wilson confirmed the essential safety measure. Wilson told reporters during a morning press conference, “I can confirm that everybody in D.C. is now armed.”
She added that many Guard troops are now conducting joint patrols alongside local police. Wilson confirmed, "Their safety, of course, is top of mind, and we will continue to make sure they're able to do their jobs in keeping all of our great Americans safe across our country.”
The security escalation is a direct response to the tragic ambush attack last week. U.S. Army Spc. Sarah Beckstrom was killed, and U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe was critically wounded while serving with the West Virginia National Guard. A 29-year-old Afghan national was charged in the heinous murder.
President Donald Trump is personally standing with the victims’ families. Trump said he invited Beckstrom’s relatives to the White House, telling reporters, “When you're ready, because that's a tough thing, come to the White House.”
The President added that he will honor the West Virginia heroes regardless of Wolfe's recovery status. Trump said, “We're going to honor Sarah — and likewise with Andrew, recover or not.”
West Virginia Republican Gov. Patrick Morrisey delivered encouraging news Monday about Staff Sgt. Wolfe’s condition. Morrisey confirmed, "We did have some positive news,” during a televised press conference.
The Governor confirmed that Wolfe has shown initial responsiveness. Morrisey described being told that Wolfe responded to a nurse’s request for a thumbs-up and also “wiggled his toes.”
Morrisey told the country that Wolfe's mother asked Americans to pray, adding, "Those prayers are working." The Governor emphasized that the approximately 170 West Virginia Guard troops are serving voluntarily because they “believe in the mission.”
Wilson confirmed the missions will continue in Chicago and Los Angeles, despite the shooting tragedy. This reflects a broader posture of deterring violence and stabilizing our nation's cities, proving that troops on the front lines will not be left vulnerable.