Branstad approves arming National Guard

Gov. Terry Branstad announced Wednesday he is authorizing the Iowa National Guard to arm additional personnel at the organization’s facilities and recruiting centers following a recent shooting in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Branstad said in a statement that the National Guard already has active security measures in place, including armed security at certain facilities.

“These brave men and women go to work every day to protect our state and nation,” he said in a statement. “Today’s action strengthens current security measures and gives Major General Timothy Orr the authorization to arm additional soldiers, at his discretion, at Iowa National Guard facilities and recruiting stations to protect themselves and others from danger.”

Authorities say Mohammad Abdulazeez opened fire in a military recruiting center July 16 before driving to a Navy operations support center where he launched another attack. He killed five service members and died after being shot by law enforcement.