# Hegseth approves more National Guard vehicles and boats for Washington patrols

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/hegseth-allows-national-guard-to-boost-dc-patrols-with-military-vehicles-boats-and-patrol-cars/
- Published: 2026-11-06T02:18:07+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-06T08:36:46+00:00
- Original publisher: PBS NewsHour (publisher lean: Centre)
- Original article: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/hegseth-allows-national-guard-to-boost-dc-patrols-with-military-vehicles-boats-and-patrol-cars
- Topics: Politics

## Key points

- Hegseth approved more vehicles, boats and equipment for Washington patrols.
- Troops may carry rifles during some anti-gang and drug operations.
- The deployment cap remains 3,500 as the city challenges it in court.

## Summary

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has authorised the National Guard to use more vehicles, boats and equipment during expanded patrols in Washington, increasing its visible role alongside local law enforcement. The decision comes as the District of Columbia challenges the deployment in court, arguing that using the military for domestic law enforcement is unlawful.

Memos signed on 29 October approve 60 marked military police cars, tactical vehicles, two patrol boats and 20 portable light towers. Troops supporting anti-gang and drug operations may carry rifles, though not in Metro stations, and high-speed chases are prohibited. The maximum deployment remains 3,500; nearly 3,100 Guard members from several states are currently in the capital. A request to use Guard helicopters and troops to clear abandoned tyres was denied.

## Coverage

- [PBS NewsHour: Hegseth approves more National Guard vehicles and boats for Washington patrols](https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/hegseth-allows-national-guard-to-boost-dc-patrols-with-military-vehicles-boats-and-patrol-cars)
- [Washington Examiner: Hegseth expands National Guard patrols in DC with military vehicles and boats](https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense/4794978/hegseth-national-guard-dc-military-vehicles-boats/)

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.