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.

If Trump sends the National Guard into cities without the consent of governors, state leaders would be able to file court challenges, as California Governor Gavin Newsom did to block Trump from federalizing the National Guard to quell protests and riots over his immigration policy in Los Angeles earlier this summer, Banks said.