Georgia Gov. Kemp declares state of emergency, calls up National Guard to protect state property

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp on Monday declared a state of emergency and authorized the activation of up to 1,000 National Guard troops in response to a spate of lawlessness. 

"Following weeks of dramatically increased violent crime and property destruction in the City of Atlanta, the July Fourth weekend saw over thirty Georgians wounded by gunfire, including five confirmed dead," the press release explains.

One of the victims of a fatal shooting was an 8-year-old girl.

"Peaceful protests were hijacked by criminals with a dangerous, destructive agenda. Now, innocent Georgians are being targeted, shot, and left for dead," Gov. Kemp said in a statement. "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," he said.

Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on Sunday decried the violence.

"Enough is enough," Bottoms said at a news conference. "Enough is enough."

On Monday, the mayor announced that she tested positive for coronavirus but is not experiencing symptoms.

"COVID-19 has literally hit home. I have had NO symptoms and have tested positive," she tweeted.