Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed an executive action this afternoon declaring a state of emergency in Missouri and activating the National Guard to respond to “any period of unrest that might occur following the grand jury’s decision concerning the investigation into the death of Michael Brown.”
KMOV-St. Louis reports:
“As part of our ongoing efforts to plan and be prepared for any contingency, it is necessary to have these resources in place in advance of any announcement of the grand jury’s decision,” Gov. Nixon said in a news release. “These additional resources will support law enforcement’s efforts to maintain peace and protect those exercising their right to free speech. The National Guard is well-suited to provide security at command posts, fire stations and other locations as well as perform other functions that will free up law enforcement officers to remain focused on community policing and protecting constitutional rights.”
In his ‘Open Letter to Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon,’ Jim Wallis asked Governor Nixon to “prioritize talking to community leaders, allowing public spaces to remain open and safe, and the law to be upheld in ways that protect all life.” Wallis specifically petitioned Gov. Nixon not to deploy the National Guard as a first response to protests. Although Governor Nixon has already activated the National Guard, you can still support Sojourners’ call for peace by adding your name to the letter.
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