All DC National Guard Members Fully Weaponized After Ambush Attack
"I can confirm that everybody in DC is now armed, and a lot of our DC National Guardsmen are now also doing joint patrols with members of the police department here in DC. So their safety is, of course, top of mind," Pentagon Press Secretary Kingsley Wilson told reporters.
The directive follows last week's ambush attack on two Guard members near the Farragut West metro station, located blocks from the White House. Sarah Beckstrom, 20, died from her injuries, while Andrew Wolfe, 24, remains hospitalized.
Authorities charged 29-year-old Afghan national Rahmanullah Lakanwal with murder, assault and firearms offenses in connection with the shooting.
Wilson disclosed that more than 2,200 National Guard personnel from nationwide are currently serving under Joint Task Force DC, with another 500 troops en route.
When pressed about potential National Guard deployments to other cities, Wilson declined to confirm specific plans.
"I can tell you that our mission set is critical. We are keeping American cities safe all across this country, and we are going to remain committed to that.
"These missions aren't going to stop in Chicago, in Los Angeles, in DC. We understand the urgent threat that is facing many of these cities, and the National Guard is proud to step in alongside our law enforcement partners to help with that," she said.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
