Governor of Georgia declares state of emergency

On Thursday, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp decided to declare a state of emergency in light of the recent violent protest in Atlanta. These protest have taken place in response to the death of environmental activist Manuel Teran, also known as Tortuguita.

This emergency declaration permits the governor to call up to 1,000 members of the National Guard for the purpose of controlling riot and preventing unlawful assembly for the next 15 days.

No mobilization has taken place as of yet, but it is seen as a preventive measure.

On Saturday night, a police cruiser was set on fire and the windows of three businesses were broken by protesters. Six individuals, all from outside of Atlanta, were arrested and charged with domestic terrorism.

Kemp mentioned the charred vehicle specifically when he declared a state of emergency.

Authorities also recovered explosives from the arrested individuals, posing a major threat to nearby residents.

The declaration of the state of emergency stated, “Georgians respect peaceful protests, but do not tolerate acts of violence against persons or property.” 

The demonstration was held in memory of Tortuguita, who was killed during a protest against the construction of a public safety training center. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation reported that Tortuguita had shot and seriously injured a state trooper before being fatally shot by the authorities.