The unit that received the training has the power to make arrests and carry weapons under state law, unlike the majority of State Guard members, who so far have responded to natural disasters.

As North Carolina battles the ongoing fentanyl crisis, Gov. Josh Stein calls for a dedicated unit to crack down on trafficking, despite an encouraging 30% drop in overdose deaths since 2023.

New Jersey State Police announced that Trooper II Marcellus E. Bethea, died during training for an elite team, but they did not provide details.