Governor Kemp activated as many as 1,000 National Guard members and declared a state of emergency as violence in Atlanta has reached new heights, CNN reports.
What We Know:
- The Republican governor said the executive order follows “weeks of dramatically increased violent crime and property destruction in the City of Atlanta”.
- According to police, the number of shootings and murders in the city has doubled in the four-week period following Memorial Day this year compared with 2019. Between May 31 and June 27 this year, 93 shootings took place in the city of Atlanta as opposed to the 46 last year.
- Over Independence Day weekend alone, more than 30 Georgians were wounded by gunfire, 5 of which were killed.
- One of those killed was 8-year-old Secoriea Turner who was shot Saturday after suspects opened fire on the car she was in with her mother.
- Governor Kemp described the violence as “outrageous and unacceptable” in a tweet Monday, adding that action would be taken if necessary.
This recent trend of lawlessness is outrageous & unacceptable. Georgians, including those in uniform, need to be protected from crime & violence. While we stand ready to assist local leaders in restoring peace & maintaining order, we won’t hesitate to take action without them. https://t.co/NTacEm4v7o
— Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) July 6, 2020
- Much of the violence has come as a result of the death of Rayshard Brooks who was shot and killed by police at a Wendy’s in Atlanta.
Governor Kemp’s decision comes as lawmakers around the country are grappling with the affects of protests calling for racial justice and equality. Though the majority of these protests are peaceful, Kemp’s actions are just one example of ways public officials can resolve those that become violent.
