US: Governor of Georgia declares state of emergency Jan. 26 amid possibility of continued protests

Event

Governor Brian Kemp has declared a state of emergency effective across the State of Georgia through at least Feb. 9 amid the possibility of continued demonstrations related to plans to construct a police training facility in Atlanta. Under the state of emergency, up to 1,000 National Guard troops may be deployed in the state to respond to any protest activity. The declaration comes following the Jan. 18 police shooting of an activist at a local forest encampment near the planned facility site; police reportedly shot and killed the activist as they attempted to remove demonstrators from the area. Authorities say that the now-deceased protester shot at police first and the officers returned fire; activists have questioned the veracity of the official report.

While protests are possible throughout Georgia, they are particularly likely in and near Atlanta. Any demonstrations would likely cause localized transport and business disruptions. Protests may become violent, and demonstrators may clash with police; an earlier demonstration saw activists break windows of nearby buildings and set a police vehicle on fire.

Advice

Avoid all protests as a precaution. If violence occurs, immediately leave the area and seek shelter in a secure, nongovernmental building. Heed the instructions of security personnel.