Governor Kehoe activates Missouri National Guard as a precautionary measure

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- In response to immigration enforcement protests planned across Missouri, Governor Kehoe signed an executive order activating the Missouri National Guard as a precautionary measure.

The activation is in reaction to recent instances of civil unrest across the country.

"We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state," said Gov. Kehoe, in a press release. "While other states may wait for chaos to ensue, the State of Missouri is taking a proactive approach in the event that assistance is needed to support local law enforcement in protecting our citizens and communities."

The Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri National Guard established a Unified Command to monitor situations on the ground and prepare to assist local law enforcement.

Executive Order 25-25 declares that a State of Emergency exists in the State of Missouri due to civil unrest and calls on the Adjutant General, or his designee, to forthwith call and order into active service such portions of the National Guard as he deems necessary to aid executive officials of Missouri to protect life and property.

It is further ordered and directed that, "the Adjutant General or his designee, and through him, the commanding officer of any unit or other organization of the National Guard, to take such action and employ such equipment as may be necessary in support of civilian authorities and provide such assistance as may be authorized and directed by Gov. Kehoe."

The order comes after almost a week of protests in Los Angeles and also comes before the nationwide "No Kings" Rallies on Saturday, June 14.

A "No Kings" rally will be held in St. Joseph from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, at the intersection of Frederick and the Belt Highway.