WASHINGTON >> Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorized National Guard troops deployed to Washington to bring their weapons with them on their mission. But it was not clear whether the troops would be armed as they walked through the city or simply store their weapons in their vehicles, which would not be a significant change over their current status.

The decision on whether they will be armed will ultimately be made by Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, the interim commanding general of the D.C. National Guard.

Blanchard will coordinate with the D.C. Metropolitan Police and federal law enforcement, a Defense Department official said.

President Donald Trump ordered the deployment, saying that the troops would help an array of federal agents crack down on crime in the city. But much

See Full Page