National Guard arms troops providing Capitol security

National Guardsmen providing security at the U.S. Capitol ahead of President-elect Joe Biden’s inauguration are now armed, the D.C. National Guard said.

Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy authorized the troops to be armed at the request of federal authorities, the D.C. Guard said in a statement. The troops were armed as of 6 p.m. Tuesday, it added.

“National Guard members are postured to meet the requirements of the supported civil authorities, up to and including protective equipment and being armed if necessary,” the D.C. Guard said. “The public’s safety is our top priority.”