What is the National Guard?published at 20:23 GMT
Image source, EPA
Two shooting victims have been confirmed as members of the National Guard.
All 50 US states, as well as Washington DC and the territories of Guam, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands, have their own contingent of National Guard troops.
Some units specialise in fighting wildfires or securing the US border, and they can also be deployed abroad.
Guard members ultimately report to the US Department of Defence, and can be federalised – or brought under the control of the president – under certain circumstances. However, requests for its support normally start at a state level.
National Guard troops have limited power. They do not enforce the law or make arrests.
The National Guard were deployed to Washington DC in August as part of what President Trump said was a crackdown on crime and homelessness.
