The pistols and powerful rifles guard members carry are similar to those local police use across the country. Troops have been told to use their weapons only as a last resort.

US President Donald Trump visited police officers and National Guard troops in Washington on Thursday, but contrary to earlier reports, he did so at a police facility rather than joining law enforcement officers on patrol.

President Donald Trump says he’s taking over Washington’s police department and activating 800 members of the National Guard in the hopes of reducing crime, even as city officials stressed crime is already falling in the nation’s capital.