U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has authorized members of the National Guard who are patrolling Washington, D.C., to begin carrying weapons on duty.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized up to 2,000 National Guard troops to carry weapons in Washington, D.C., if necessary, a Joint Task Force spokesperson confirmed to FOX 5 DC.

Defense Secretary Hegseth has signed an order allowing Guard troops in D.C. to be armed. The authority is expected to be acted upon in coming days.