Atlanta protests push Kemp to issue 15-day state of emergency
Misty Severi
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Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA) declared a state of emergency Wednesday, activating 1,000 National Guard troops in response to the protests underway in Atlanta.
The declaration is considered precautionary but will remain in effect until Feb. 9 unless extended by Kemp, according to the announcement.
FIVE MEMPHIS OFFICERS CHARGED IN DEATH OF TYRE NICHOLS
The order authorizes the state’s National Guard to be used in response to the protests. The troops will have “the same powers of arrest and apprehension as law enforcement officers,” Kemp said in the declaration.
Six people were arrested on Jan. 21 after a police car was set on fire, according to 11 Alive. The fire caused additional property damage.
The protests are centered on the building of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, which has been nicknamed “Cop City.” One civilian was killed last week in a shooting that also wounded a law enforcement officer, according to CBS.
“Georgians respect peaceful protests, but do not tolerate acts of violence against persons or property,” Kemp said.
The Atlanta Police Department is also monitoring the scene in Memphis, Tennessee. A young black man was allegedly killed by five black police officers earlier this year. The officers have been charged with second-degree murder, among other charges.
“We are closely monitoring the events in Memphis and are prepared to support peaceful protests in our city,” Atlanta police told CBS News. “We understand and share in the outrage surrounding the death of Tyre Nichols. Police officers are expected to conduct themselves in a compassionate, competent, and constitutional manner and these officers failed Tyre, their communities and their profession. We ask that demonstrations be safe and peaceful.”
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The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., is also preparing for the possibility of demonstrations, activating all of its personnel ahead of the release of body camera footage of the attack.