WASHINGTON (WV News) — Troops deployed to Washington, including more than 300 members of the West Virginia National Guard, are now authorized to carry weapons while performing their duties.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth authorized these soldiers to carry their assigned service weapons, which may include M17 pistols or M4 rifles, according to a spokesperson for the Joint Task Force-DC.

Deployed service members are following strict guidelines governing the use of force, according to the spokesperson.

“Task force personnel operate under the established Rules for the Use of Force, which allow the use of force only as a last resort and solely in response to an imminent threat of death or serious bodily harm,” they said in an emailed statement. “JTF-DC remains committed to protecti

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