National Guard deployed to stop riots in Atlanta amid Floyd protests
Emilie Ikeda reports from Atlanta, Georgia.
The National Guard has activated an estimated 16,000 troops to help quell the riots that have broken out in major cities over the death of George Floyd -- bringing the total number of mobilized troops to 62,000 when factoring in troops already mobilized in the coronavirus fight.
Governors reached out to activate Guard assistance ahead of demonstrations on Saturday night, when protests turned into violent riots. Even Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti has asked for assistance, saying these were no longer protests over the death of Floyd, the unarmed black man who died in police custody on May 25: “This is destruction. This is vandalism.”
“As of Sunday, National Guard Soldiers and Airmen were activated in 24 states and the District of Columbia in response to civil disturbances, bringing the total number of Guard members on duty in support of their governors to nearly 62,000,” the Guard announced in a statement Sunday.
GEORGE FLOYD DEATH: THE CITIES WHERE PEOPLE ARE PROTESTING AND RIOTING
State and local law enforcement have remained responsible for security, but the Guard will assist the officers.
The Guard has noted that governors have used the service many times in response to support efforts in a wide range of capacities, including rescue – as seen in recent weeks when the Guard helped in rescue efforts during flooding in Michigan after dams burst.
Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak already activated the National Guard in his state after riots escalated in Reno and other cities.
"Based on circumstances going on in Reno and at the request of local leaders, I have activated members of the @nvnationalguard to secure government buildings," Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak tweeted early Sunday.
Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp also declared a new state of emergency of the protests, which have continued for three days.
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Further protests are planned in the coming weeks.
