After threatening to step in if local leaders didn’t act over the weekend, Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency to deal with violence in the city.
According to the governor’s office, the July Fourth weekend saw more 30 people wounded by gunfire, including five confirmed dead, including an 8-year-old girl.
Kemp’s State of Emergency covers the entire state and authorizes the activation of as many as 1,000 Georgia National Guard troops.
“Peaceful protests were hijacked by criminals with a dangerous, destructive agenda. Now, innocent Georgians are being targeted, shot, and left for dead,” Kemp said. “This lawlessness must be stopped and order restored in our capital city. I have declared a State of Emergency and called up the Georgia Guard because the safety of our citizens comes first. This measure will allow troops to protect state property and dispatch state law enforcement officers to patrol our streets. Enough with the tough talk. We must protect the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians.”
The Georgia Guard will provide support at state buildings, including the Georgia State Capitol, Georgia Department of Public Safety Headquarters, and Governor’s Mansion.
This aid will also allow state law enforcement personnel to increase patrols on roadways and throughout communities, especially those in the City of Atlanta.
