The exact number of troops who would carry their weapons was fluid, but they will carry either their M17 pistols or M4 rifles, according to the officials who spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the matter.

The National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C., will begin carrying weapons on Sunday evening just two days after given authorization by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.Newsweek reached out to the Pentagon by email outside of normal business hours on Sunday evening for comment.

U.S. National Guard troops patrolling the streets of Washington D.C. as part of what President Donald Trump said was his crackdown on crime will begin carrying weapons on Sunday night, two officials said.