Secretary of War Pete Hegseth praised National Guard members deployed in Washington, D.C., for their contribution to reducing crime in the city, the U.S. Department of Defense reported.
The deployment was carried out ahead of the United States' 250th birthday celebration. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, Hegseth directed his thanks to the Guardsmen stationed in the capital as part of that mission.
The U.S. Department of Defense credited the National Guard's presence in Washington, D.C., with bringing down crime levels in the city during the period leading up to the anniversary event. Hegseth, in his role as Secretary of War, recognized the Guardsmen for their service in connection with that outcome, the department reported.