U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Leland D. Blanchard II, Commanding General (Interim) of the D.C. National Guard, joined Mayor Muriel Bowser, District public safety leaders, and federal partners for a press conference at the District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) on June 29, 2026, outlining public safety preparations for the Fourth of July holiday. As the nation's capital prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors for a week of major events—including the Salute to America Celebration and Fireworks, Independence Day festivities, FIFA World Cup celebrations, Washington Nationals games, and other large public gatherings—the D.C. National Guard stands alongside its interagency...
The District of Columbia National Guard hosts its first Law Enforcement Recognition Ceremony on Feb. 26, 2026, at the D.C. Armory to honor officers from partner agencies for their service and contributions to public safety in support of the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission, a law enforcement and military collaboration started in Aug. 2025. Composed of District and federal law enforcement, and the National Guard, the mission holds accountable...
