Governor Brian Kemp has declared a State of Emergency for the entire state, as well as authorized the use of up to 1,000 Georgia National Guard troops following a weekend of violence in the City of Atlanta.
"Peaceful protests were hijacked by criminals with a dangerous, destructive agenda. Now, innocent Georgians are being targeted, shot, and left for dead," said Kemp, in a press release issued by the Governor's Office on Monday. "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."
The release stated that the Georgia Guard will provide support at state buildings such as the Georgia State Capitol, Georgia Department of Public Safety Headquarters and the Governor's Mansion. The presence of the Georgia Guard will allow state law enforcement to better patrol roadways and neighborhoods, specifically those within the City of Atlanta.
More than thirty Georgians were wounded by gunfire in the City of Atlanta over the weekend of July Fourth. Officials have declared at least five of the victims are dead.
