(NewsNation) — National Guard troops patrolling Washington, D.C., as part of President Donald Trump's federal takeover could soon be armed, a White House official told NewsNation.

The Army said last week that Guard members would only carry weapons if necessary and would not be making arrests.

According to the White House official, since the takeover began last week, 308 people have been arrested — 68 of those on Saturday alone — and several were tied to narcotics and firearm-related offenses.

Democrats slam DC takeover: 'Just a stunt'

Democrats have criticized the increased federal presence and pointed to already decreasing crime rates according to local police data.

"What's happening here in Washington, D.C., is just a stunt. Nothing different is really happening in the U.S. Capitol

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