Hegseth authorizes National Guard to use boats, Humvees and patrol cars in DC
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized the National Guard in Washington to use up to 60 marked police cars, military tactical vehicles and boats, the Pentagon confirmed.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized the National Guard to expand its presence in Washington, D.C., with boats, military tactical vehicles and up to 60 marked police cars. A Pentagon official confirmed the move to The Hill on Thursday.
Hegseth approved the changes in a memo dated Oct. 29, The Hill reports. It says Politico first reported the memo. The New York Times says the Pentagon put the date of the decision at Oct. 29, shortly before Republicans lost heavily in the midterm elections.
Fox News reports the authorization covers Humvees and D.C. National Guard boats. It says the move comes as a council hearing demands the military presence be removed. PBS NewsHour says the change deepens the troops' integration with local law enforcement.
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- Fox NewsHegseth expands National Guard operations in DC, authorizes police patrol cars, Humvees and boatsThu, Nov 5, 5:45 PM EST
- The New York TimesNational Guard to Expand Patrols in Washington With Military Vehicles and BoatsThu, Nov 5, 5:50 PM EST
- The HillNational Guard to use boats, Humvees in expanded DC presenceThu, Nov 5, 6:04 PM EST
- PBS NewsHourHegseth allows National Guard to boost DC patrols with military vehicles, boats and patrol carsThu, Nov 5, 6:31 PM EST
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