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Georgia governor declares state of emergency following deadly Atlanta shootings
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Monday following a surge in shootings throughout the July Fourth weekend that injured 31 people and killed five after weeks of violent crime and property destruction in Atlanta. The holiday weekend also saw dozens of shootings in several cities that included the deaths of several children.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Monday following a surge in shootings throughout the July Fourth weekend that injured 31 people and killed five after weeks of violent crime and property destruction in Atlanta. The holiday weekend also saw dozens of shootings in several cities that included the deaths of several children.
The declaration authorized the activation of 1,000 National Guard troops in order to “protect state property and patrol our streets."
"Peaceful protests were hijacked by criminals with a dangerous, destructive agenda. Now, innocent Georgians are being targeted, shot, and left for dead," Kemp, a Republican, said in a statement. "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," he added. "We must protect the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians."
The troops will be assigned to protect state buildings that include the capitol, the governor's mansion, and the headquarters for the Department of Public Safety. The National Guard presence will free police officers to increase patrols on roadways and in communities, especially in Atlanta, Kemp said.
Among those killed over the holiday weekend was 8-year-old Secoriea Turner, who was riding in a car Saturday night in Atlanta when at least two people opened fire on the vehicle.
Authorities said Turner was in the car with her mother and another adult when the driver attempted to drive through illegally placed barricades to get to a parking lot. A group of armed individuals had blocked the entrance. Click here for more on our top story.
Other related developments:
- Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms tests positive for coronavirus
- Atlanta mayor faced with criticism due to early handling of protest site
- Atlanta street racers perform 'donuts,' block intersection, video shows
- Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms tests positive for coronavirus
- Atlanta mayor faced with criticism due to early handling of protest site
- Atlanta street racers perform 'donuts,' block intersection, video shows
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