Three Republican-led states are planning to send National Guard troops to Washington, DC to bolster security as operations in the city expand, joining roughly 800 troops already deployed at the request of President Donald Trump.
West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said his state will deploy 300 to 400 National Guard troops. South Carolina will send 200 troops, and Ohio will send 150 military police from its National Guard, according to the governors. The moves come as hundreds of DC residents took to the streets in protest on the weekend and as federal law enforcement agencies patrolled prominent areas alongside the guardsmen.
Trump declared a public safety emergency on Monday, arguing that the capital was beset by “complete and total lawlessness.” DC officials have disputed those characterizations, even as demonstrations continued. Mayor Muriel Bowser has rejected the broad claims of rampant crime but acknowledged a spike in 2023 that has since subsided.
City crime data from the Metropolitan Police Department show homicides fell 32% from 2023 to 2024, reaching their lowest level since 2019. Preliminary MPD figures indicate that violent crime overall is down about 26% so far in 2025 compared with the same point in 2024, with robbery down roughly 28% according to BBC Verify.
The Trump administration initially sought to seize command of the city’s Metropolitan Police Department under the District of Columbia Home Rule Act, but state and city officials challenged the move and it was rescinded after a court action. Federal Judge Ana Reyes indicated that Mayor Bowser would be obliged to follow White House directives in the matter.
What this means going forward is a heightened security posture in the nation’s capital, with a larger federal footprint and continued scrutiny of civil-military coordination. For DC residents, the immediate takeaway is a sense of precaution coupled with ongoing debate over the balance between security and local autonomy.
Key takeaways
– Three Republican-led states will send additional National Guard troops to DC: West Virginia (300-400), South Carolina (200), Ohio (150 MPs).
– Roughly 800 troops were already deployed to DC at the federal request.
– DC crime statistics show 2023 homicide spike declined in 2024; 2025 year-to-date violent crime and robbery are down according to MPD data and BBC Verify.
– The Home Rule Act dispute and Judge Ana Reyes’ ruling highlight tensions between federal action and local governance.
– The situation remains politically charged, with protests occurring alongside a visible security presence.
Possible value additions for readers
– A brief explainer on how the DC Home Rule Act governs federal involvement in local policing.
– A comparison of security deployments in DC during past events to provide historical context.
– Quick profiles of the governors involved and the political dynamics shaping these security decisions.
Overall, the situation reflects a precarious balance between ensuring public safety and preserving local autonomy, set against a backdrop of partisan framing from national leaders.