Some National Guard troops in D.C. set to carry firearms

(NBC, KYMA/KECY) - There are new developments in the federal takeover of policing in Washington, D.C.

Two U.S. officials tell NBC News that some National Guard troops called up to help protect the streets of the nation's capital will begin carrying firearms. However, not all troops will carry weapons, one official says.

The arming of the troops marks a change since Guard members were first deployed to Washington earlier this week, tasked with addressing crime and homelessness in the capital.

A statement from the Joint Task Force says that Guard members "may be armed consistent with their mission and training."

The number of National Guard troops is also set to increase in the coming days after Republican governors in three states, West Virginia, Ohio and South Carolina, now say they will send in hundreds of troops to support the operation.

This all comes as president trump aims to fight crime in the nation's capital, which is at its lowest level in decades.