Gov. Brian Kemp activated as many as 500 Georgia National Guard troops early Saturday to immediately reinforce law enforcement officials struggling to contain violent protests that swept through downtown Atlanta and Buckhead.
The governor said the troops will help state and local police officials who are “working tirelessly to subdue unlawful activity and restore peace” after peaceful demonstrations over the slaying of George Floyd erupted into chaotic violence that left parts of the city in flames.
Kemp issued the order as police swarmed the Lenox Square Mall, where scattered looting was reported at stores around the busy commercial area. Earlier, protesters ransacked the College Football Hall of Fame, defaced the CNN Center and burned down a visitor’s center at Centennial Olympic Park.
The troops were to immediately deploy to flash points around Atlanta, and the first contingent of roughly 100 soldiers arrived at the Lenox area just after midnight. Kemp has authorized the troops to make arrests if necessary.
Kemp has echoed Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms’ call for protesters to “go home” and avoid more violence and looting that threatens the city's reputation as a proud bastion of non-violent demonstration.