Some National Guard troops in Washington set to carry firearms

West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey announced that he is deploying members of the state's National Guard to support Trump's D.C. police takeover.

Some National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C., will begin carrying firearms to conduct their mission in the city, two U.S. officials told NBC News. Not all troops will carry weapons, one official said.

The arming of the troops marks a change since Guard members were first deployed to the district earlier this week. They were tasked with addressing crime and homelessness in the capital.

A spokesperson for the Joint Task Force said in a statement that Guard members “may be armed consistent with their mission and training.”

“Their presence is focused on supporting civil authorities and ensuring the safety of the community they serve. The DC National Guard remains committed to assisting the District of Columbia and serving its residents and visitors whenever called upon,” the spokesperson, Air National Guard Maj. Melissa Heintz, said.

Heintz also said that the defense secretary “is authorized to mobilize additional National Guard forces, as needed, in coordination with State Governors.”