National Guard troops are no longer deployed against protests now that Georgia’s state of emergency has lifted. Governor Brian Kemp allowed his emergency declaration to expire at 11:59 p.m. on June 8. That declaration was the authority he used to mobilize troops in response to rioting and looting that broke out in the days immediately following George Floyd’s death.
National Guard troops assisted law enforcement with public safety and crowd control at protests across Georgia. The Guard was criticized by some for using tear gas to disperse protesters in Athens and Atlanta.
“I greatly appreciate the men and women of the Georgia National Guard, state and local law enforcement, and all first responders who kept Georgians safe and ensured peaceful demonstrations across our great state,” Kemp said. “This coordinated team worked tirelessly to protect communities, businesses, and everyone exercising their Constitutional rights.”
Kemp called the partnership a “success” and said after several discussions with public safety officials and community leaders he decided to let the emergency declaration expire.
“Moving forward, we will continue to monitor activity around the state and remain prepared to respond if necessary,” Kemp said.
Georgia still remains under a public health state of emergency due to COVID-19.
