Kansas City, Mo. - Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe declared a State of Emergency and announced the activation of Missouri’s National Guard ahead of protests planned for the weekend, citing “civil unrest” while providing no evidence of riots or violence.
In response, the ACLU of Missouri issued the following statement:
“Governor Kehoe's decision to activate Missouri's National Guard serves as an unnecessary provocation to thwart public dissent. The right for people to join in protests or peaceful assembly is core to the First Amendment, and critical to a functioning democracy. Government and law enforcement officials have the moral and constitutional responsibility to stop the escalation, practice restraint, and allow Missourians to exercise this foundational right.
“It is critical that Missourians who plan on attending know and educate others of their rights around protests and police interactions. We emphasize attendees to prioritize de-escalation, even in moments of governmental provocation and fear-mongering, and to lookout for one another.”
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