DOJ seeks additional 1,500 National Guard troops for DC ‘summer surge’ security push
WASHINGTON, DC: The Trump administration is seeking to deploy an additional 1,500 National Guard troops across Washington, DC as part of a major “summer surge” security operation ahead of Fourth of July celebrations and events tied to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
Department of Justice officials announced the plan Friday, saying the added military presence is aimed at boosting public safety, supporting law enforcement, and preparing for a sharp rise in visitors expected in the nation’s capital over the coming months.
DOJ expands National Guard presence ahead of july celebrations
United States Marshals Service Director Gadyaces Serralta said he requested the extra National Guard troops to expand their presence across the city in anticipation of a surge in visitors for Fourth of July-related events.
“They will continue to provide presence for high visibility and support across the district, so law enforcement can focus on their duties,” Serralta said at a press conference alongside other Department of Justice officials.
“High visibility presence reduces response times to crime, provides support to law enforcement on scene and keeps officers and civilians safe.”
If approved, the additional deployment would bring the total number of National Guard troops operating in Washington to 5,000.
The surge would also include more US Park Police on foot, in vehicles, and on horseback across DC, along with resources from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, US Marshals Service, and other agencies, Serralta added.
National guard forces have maintained presence in the capital
National Guard forces have maintained a presence in the capital since late summer, when federal authorities expanded their role in Washington law enforcement through executive action and launched the “DC Safe and Beautiful Task Force.”
The deployment was later increased after two National Guard members were shot near the White House in late November.
Asked why DC government and police officials were not consulted in advance, Serralta said, “This is the president’s task force,” adding that local officials were invited to attend the press conference but chose not to.
Democratic Sens. Andy Kim (N.J.) and Gary Peters (Mich.) in February released a report estimating that Washington’s National Guard deployment is costing the federal government $1.65 million per day, totaling more than $450 million since deployments began in August.
The Pentagon is planning to maintain the National Guard’s presence in Washington until Jan. 20, 2029, through the remainder of President Trump’s second term.
The Department of Justice is also taking additional steps to crack down on crime ahead of July celebrations, including plans to prosecute parents of teenagers who violate curfew, according to US Attorney Jeanine Pirro.
She pointed to “teen takeovers,” where large groups of young people gather in areas such as Navy Yard, U Street, and NoMa.
“These takeovers have terrorized our neighborhoods, they have shut down businesses, and they have wasted hard-earned tax dollars of law-abiding residents who just want to live and work in peace,” Pirro said.
