Georgia Governor Calls in the Cavalry as 1,000 Nat’l Guard Troops Descend on Atlanta

Things are getting heated in Atlanta, Georgia this week, as state Governor Brian Kemp looks to wrangle the ne’er-do-wells who’ve been wreaking havoc on the city’s streets.

It all began with the death of Rayshard Brooks in the drive thru of a Wendy’s restaurant, after Brooks wrestled with police officers, eventually firing one of the LEO’s tasers at the pursing cops.  This prompted one officer to shoot Brooks dead.

Just days later, a protest at that very Wendy’s turned ugly, as a woman believed to be Brooks’ girlfriend started a fire that completely decimated the building.  In the ensuing weeks, the site had been occupied by protesters who had barricaded off the street around the restaurant.  Over the weekend, an 8 year old girl was killed when the car she was traveling in was struck by gunfire as a parent attempted to circumnavigate the obstructions.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, unsatisfied with Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ response to the violence, has now taken drastic action.

Gov. Brian Kemp has signed an executive order declaring a State of Emergency and authorizing the call-up of up to 1,000 National Guard troops in Georgia.

The troops will be deployed as needed to protect state buildings, including the State Capitol, the Georgia Department of Public Safety headquarters, the governor’s mansion and the Georgia World Congress Center.

Images of the deployment were stark, to say the least.

National Guard is here at the Capitol after being activated by @GovKemp following a weekend of deadly shootings in Atlanta over the weekend. Troops are protecting state buildings tonight. pic.twitter.com/jDTP9AupoQ

— Matt Johnson (@MattWSB) July 7, 2020

The Governor did not mince words when discussing the deployment.

“Peaceful protests were hijacked by criminals with a dangerous, destructive agenda. Now, innocent Georgians are being targeted, shot, and left for dead,” Kemp said Monday. “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. We must protect the lives and livelihoods of all Georgians.”

The move comes as tensions between the Governor’s office and the Mayor’s office continue to rise.

Atlanta, much like New York City in New York State, is a liberal city within a largely rural and conservative state.