West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said Saturday he will deploy between 300 and 400 members of the state’s National Guard to Washington, D.C., at the request of the Trump administration. The mission, to be paid for with federal funds, includes providing “mission-essential equipment” and specialized training alongside the personnel, according to a statement from the governor’s office. The dispatch follows President Donald Trump’s decision earlier this week to send hundreds of National Guard troops to the capital and temporarily assume control of the Metropolitan Police Department, actions the White House says are intended to curb crime and homelessness. A White House official said additional Guard forces are needed to protect federal assets and reinforce law-enforcement efforts. District officials have challenged the federal takeover in court, arguing it infringes on local authority. Justice Department data show violent crime in Washington fell to a three-decade low in 2024, complicating the administration’s rationale. West Virginia Guard leaders received the mobilization order late Friday and are organizing the deployment; it is not yet clear whether other states will be asked to send forces.