WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) – After the shooting of National Guard soldiers in Washington, hundreds more soldiers are to be relocated to the capital. US President Donald Trump has instructed him to send 500 additional National Guard troops, said Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth. He will take the necessary steps.
Shortly before, a gunman had opened fire not far from the White House. According to authorities, two National Guard soldiers are in critical condition. A suspect was arrested.
More than 2,000 National Guard troops are already deployed in Washington. Trump ordered them to the capital in the summer to take action against allegedly escalating crime.
Crime statistics do not support this narrative. Hegseth now confirmed that the operation had made the city safer. The attack in the city center will “only strengthen” the government’s “determination,” he said./gei/DP/zb