Missouri National Guard activated as ‘precautionary’ measure in advance of weekend protests
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - A string of protests is planned across the country on Saturday, and Missouri’s governor has activated the state’s emergency force to prepare for any civil unrest.
Governor Mike Kehoe stated Thursday afternoon that the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri State Highway Patrol, and Missouri National Guard have established a Unified Command to monitor situations on the ground and prepare to assist local law enforcement.
“We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state,” Kehoe said in a statement. “While other states may wait for chaos to ensue, the State of Missouri is taking a proactive approach in the event that assistance is needed to local law enforcement in protecting our citizens and communities.”
The governor was referring to demonstrations against the Trump istration’s policies on illegal immigration, which came to a head in California with vandalism and rioting.
Trump deployed 2,000 California National Guard troops to Los Angeles over the objections of Gov. Gavin Newsom after clashing between hundreds of protesters and federal immigration authorities in riot gear continued.
Protests over federal immigration enforcement raids are expected to continue nationwide into the weekend. The Trump istration said immigration raids and deportations will continue regardless.
Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune, a Democratic representative from Kansas City, said Kehoe’s decision “will only heighten tensions and increase the possibility of conflict.”
Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas also expressed worries about Kehoe’s actions.
“Mayor Lucas is concerned with enhanced state enforcement for one set of protestors, but no action or aid to local law enforcement when Neo-Nazis march through Missouri’s urban streets. The Mayor has confidence in responsible protestors to use their First Amendment rights peacefully and in compliance with the law,” Lucas’ office said in a statement shared Thursday afternoon. “More than one thousand Kansas Citians protested peacefully and responsibly just days ago. For those who do not act responsibly, the Mayor stands by the women and men of local law enforcement at KD and other agencies to handle any necessary enforcement actions. Unnecessary escalation from our nation’s capital and state capitals undermines local law enforcement and makes all less safe.”
The ACLU of Missouri called the move unnecessary.
“Governor Kehoe’s decision to activate Missouri’s National Guard serves as an unnecessary provocation to thwart public dissent. The right for people to in protests or peaceful assembly is core to the First Amendment and critical to a functioning democracy. Government and law enforcement officials have the moral and constitutional responsibility to stop the escalation, practice restraint, and allow Missourians to exercise this foundational right. It is critical that Missourians who plan on attending know and educate others of their rights around protests and police interactions. We emphasize attendees to prioritize de-escalation, even in moments of governmental provocation and fear-mongering, and to look out for one another.”
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