WASHINGTON — A spokesperson for the National Guard says “no formal order” has been given to soldiers to carry guns during President Donald Trump’s federal takeover of D.C. law enforcement.

During the first phase of the deployment, which included the administration ordering personnel from an array of Federal agencies to participate in D.C. law enforcement, the military said that “weapons are available if needed but will remain in the armory.”

National Guard officials said their members are trained in “de-escalation techniques,” but will “retain the inherent right to self defense” if the circumstances require it.

National Guard members began arriving in the nation’s capital on Tuesday, and became more visible throughout the week.

Saturday, Republican governors from West Virginia, Ohio

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