Latest news with #MissouriNationalGuard
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘No Kings Rally' organizer hoping for thousands on Saturday
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Metro leaders are preparing for protests Saturday. Republican Governor Mike Kehoe's also activated the Missouri National Guard ahead of the 'No Kings Rallies' across Missouri. Authorities are making plans now to try to make sure they stay peaceful. 'To send out troops against American citizens is kind of ridiculous, really,' Indivisible Kansas City Founder Beverly Harvey said on Friday, talking about Governor Kehoe's activation. State House Minority Leader Ashley Aune told FOX4 Friday that just because the Missouri National Guard's been activated does not necessarily mean there will be a presence at the protests. Kansas attorney general blocked from denying gender changes on driver's licenses Republican Missouri Congressman Mark Alford says the National Guard is there to protect police officers and citizens should they need it. Congressman Alford added that he thought Governor Kehoe's decision was very wise. 'I'm praying for peaceful protests,' he said. 'There's going to be one in Lee's Summit. There's going to be one there near the Plaza at Mill Creek Park. You have every right to disagree with Donald J. Trump and his policies, but let's do it peacefully.' House Minority Leader Aune says she always wants Governor Kehoe to feel like he can activate Missouri's National Guard if need be. 'That said, there has been no indication that I'm aware of that any of the protests planned in our state are going to be violent in any way,' she said. The rallies are timed to coincide with Saturday's military parade in Washington D.C. The local rally has gained extra attention amid the White House's crackdown on illegal immigration. Marines are seen standing guard at a federal building in Los Angeles FOX4 asked Harvey if she thought things would get out of hand on Saturday. 'I know that our group won't get out of hand,' she replied. 'Indivisible prides itself nationally and all the groups, there's like 2,000 groups that will be around the United States tomorrow, on peaceful demonstrations, protests, whatever you want to call it, so we pride ourselves on that. We can't guarantee there won't be instigators. It wouldn't surprise me if there's instigators that show up to try to cause trouble.' The Kansas City, MO Police Department (KCPD) tells FOX4 they expect a peaceful gathering, adding that they have response plans in place should any issues arise. FOX4 does not know if KCPD will have more officers on patrol Saturday due to the protest at Mill Creek Park. It starts at noon and is scheduled to go until 3 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
USA Today
13-06-2025
- Politics
- USA Today
Missouri activates National Guard as states brace for anti-Trump protests
Missouri activates National Guard as states brace for anti-Trump protests The Show-Me State's Republican governor, Mike Kehoe, joins Texas in preemptively activating the state's National Guard ahead of 'No Kings' protests this weekend Show Caption Hide Caption Appeals court blocks decision on Trump's control of National Guard An appeals court has halted a federal judge's decision to take control of the National Guard away from President Trump and return it to California. Missouri has joined Texas in preemptively activating the state's National Guard ahead of the "No Kings" protests planned at about 2,000 sites across the nation on June 14 against President Donald Trump. Both Republican-led states followed Trump's lead after he tapped the California National Guard to respond to protests in Los Angeles. "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," GOP Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe wrote on social media June 12 in announcing his executive order activating the Missouri National Guard. More: Planned 'No Kings' protests grow in number after LA militarization: What organizers expect Kehoe's order declares a state of emergency in Missouri "due to civil unrest." The move is another sign of the increasingly militarized response to unrest surrounding Trump's policies. Responding to demonstrations against ICE raids, the president deployed the California National Guard in Los Angeles over Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom's objections, and also sent U.S. Marines. Trump's decision to bypass Newsom and federalize the California National Guard drew protests from Democrats. Newsom described it as the act of a "dictator." Republican governors in Texas and Missouri are activating the Guard on their own. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced June 11 that the Texas National Guard would be deployed throughout the state "to ensure peace & order." The move came after protesters in Austin clashed with police, and ahead of more planned protests in the state. About 2,000 "No Kings" protests are scheduled across the country on June 14, when Trump is staging a large military parade in Washington D.C. on the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. It's also Trump's 79th birthday. A map on the "No Kings" website shows dozens of protests are planned in Missouri and Texas. More: Governors aren't on same page about using National Guard for 'No Kings' protests With immigration enforcement protests spreading across the country and millions of Americans expected to demonstrate on June 14, governors are having to weigh calling in the National Guard in case of violence versus chancing having Trump do it for them. New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, told USA TODAY that Democratic governors are speaking with one another about being prepared if Trump deploys their state National Guard over their objections. Lujan Grisham said she expects the New Mexico protests to be peaceful and managed by local law enforcement. She isn't preparing the Guard in case protests turn violent because that isn't their job. The National Guard has long been used by governors to help police protests. When George Floyd, an unarmed Black man, was murdered by a Minneapolis police officer on May 25, 2020, governors in 28 states had deployed the National Guard by June 3, 2020, to help contain demonstrations that erupted across the country, according to the Department of Defense. Among them was Newsom in California. California recently sued to stop Trump from deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles. A federal judge blocked the mobilization, but the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on June 13 temporarily halted the judge's order. Contributing: Sarah D. Wire, Jeanine Santucci, Davis Winkie
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Missouri governor activates National Guard, declares state of emergency
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) on Thursday declared a state of emergency and activated the state's National Guard in anticipation of protests across the state — and in response to 'civil unrest' across the country. Missouri Executive Order 25-25 declares a State of Emergency and allows the Adjutant General to order service members to aid state officials. The order comes after the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri National Guard and Missouri Department of Public Safety established a Unified Command to monitor situations across the state and prepare local law enforcement. Additionally, the order also declares that the Adjutant General may employ necessary equipment to support authorities and provide assistance. While nationwide protests continue to flare up in response to the Trump administration's immigration policies, Kehoe said his order is purely precautionary. 'We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state,' the governor said. '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,' he added. To read Kehoe's full order, click here. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas' Office shared a statement Thursday regarding the mayor's concerns about Gov. Kehoe's decision. 'Mayor Lucas is concerned with enhanced state enforcement for one set of protestors, but no action or aid to local law enforcement when Neo-Nazis march through Missouri's urban streets,' the statement reads. 'The Mayor has confidence in responsible protestors to use their First Amendment rights peacefully and in compliance with the law. More than one thousand Kansas Citians protested peacefully and responsibly just days ago.' 'For those who do not act responsibly, the Mayor stands by the women and men of local law enforcement at KCPD and other agencies to handle any necessary enforcement actions,' it continues. 'Unnecessary escalation from our nation's capital and state capitals undermines local law enforcement and makes all less safe.' Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune (D-Kansas City) also responded Thursday, saying the governor's actions are unwarranted: 'Governor Kehoe's preemptive declaration of a state of emergency as Missourians prepare to protest an increasingly authoritarian presidential administration is a blatant attempt to intimidate and suppress First Amendment rights,' she wrote in a statement. 'The protests planned this weekend across Missouri and throughout the nation were sparked by the president's unwarranted and heavy-handed military response to opposition to his policies,' the state lawmaker added. 'By doing the same, the governor will only heighten tensions and increase the possibility of conflict. Governor Kehoe should staunchly defend the rights of Missourians, not mimic the authoritarianism of the president.' The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) too condemned the governor's actions, calling it an 'unnecessary provocation.' 'Governor Kehoe's decision to activate Missouri's National Guard serves as an unnecessary provocation to thwart public dissent,' the ACLU wrote. '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,' the union added. 'We emphasize attendees to prioritize de-escalation, even in moments of governmental provocation and fear-mongering, and to lookout for one another.' Lucas also posted on social platform X after California Sen. Alex Padilla (D) was forcibly removed from a press conference on Thursday. 'One of our few Latino senators tries to ask a question of a cabinet secretary over whom he has oversight responsibility, and is placed in handcuffs on the ground. Shameful,' he wrote. Other state officials have commended Kehoe for his actions. U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) said the governor is sending a strong message. 'We support the first amendment right of every Missourian to peacefully demonstrate, but violence and riots will NOT be tolerated in the Show Me State,' Alford wrote on x. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey thanked Kehoe for 'taking preemptive measures to ensure the lawlessness we've seen across our country does not reach our state.' 'We will not allow what is going on in LA to happen in Missouri,' Bailey wrote on X. On President Trump's order, thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines were deployed to Los Angeles following protests in response to the administration's enforcement of immigration laws. This has prompted Los Angeles officials to enforce curfews. Gov. Gavin Newsom accused the president of abusing his authority. In addition to protests nationwide, activists are also planning 'No Kings' events across the country Saturday to coincide with the president's planned military parade in Washington. In Kansas City, a 'No Kings Rally' will be held Saturday at the Country Club Plaza from noon to 3 p.m. Texas has also readied roughly 5,000 National Guard troops ahead of expected protests. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Missouri governor activates National Guard, declares state of emergency
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe (R) on Thursday declared a state of emergency and activated the state's National Guard in anticipation of protests across the state — and in response to 'civil unrest' across the country. Missouri Executive Order 25-25 declares a State of Emergency and allows the Adjutant General to order service members to aid state officials. The order comes after the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri National Guard and Missouri Department of Public Safety established a Unified Command to monitor situations across the state and prepare local law enforcement. Additionally, the order also declares that the Adjutant General may employ necessary equipment to support authorities and provide assistance. While nationwide protests continue to flare up in response to the Trump administration's immigration policies, Kehoe said his order is purely precautionary. 'We respect, and will defend, the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state,' the governor said. '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,' he added. To read Kehoe's full order, click here. Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas' Office shared a statement Thursday regarding the mayor's concerns about Gov. Kehoe's decision. 'Mayor Lucas is concerned with enhanced state enforcement for one set of protestors, but no action or aid to local law enforcement when Neo-Nazis march through Missouri's urban streets,' the statement reads. 'The Mayor has confidence in responsible protestors to use their First Amendment rights peacefully and in compliance with the law. More than one thousand Kansas Citians protested peacefully and responsibly just days ago.' 'For those who do not act responsibly, the Mayor stands by the women and men of local law enforcement at KCPD and other agencies to handle any necessary enforcement actions,' it continues. 'Unnecessary escalation from our nation's capital and state capitals undermines local law enforcement and makes all less safe.' Missouri House Minority Leader Ashley Aune (D-Kansas City) also responded Thursday, saying the governor's actions are unwarranted: 'Governor Kehoe's preemptive declaration of a state of emergency as Missourians prepare to protest an increasingly authoritarian presidential administration is a blatant attempt to intimidate and suppress First Amendment rights,' she wrote in a statement. 'The protests planned this weekend across Missouri and throughout the nation were sparked by the president's unwarranted and heavy-handed military response to opposition to his policies,' the state lawmaker added. 'By doing the same, the governor will only heighten tensions and increase the possibility of conflict. Governor Kehoe should staunchly defend the rights of Missourians, not mimic the authoritarianism of the president.' The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) too condemned the governor's actions, calling it an 'unnecessary provocation.' 'Governor Kehoe's decision to activate Missouri's National Guard serves as an unnecessary provocation to thwart public dissent,' the ACLU wrote. '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,' the union added. 'We emphasize attendees to prioritize de-escalation, even in moments of governmental provocation and fear-mongering, and to lookout for one another.' Lucas also posted on social platform X after California Sen. Alex Padilla (D) was forcibly removed from a press conference on Thursday. 'One of our few Latino senators tries to ask a question of a cabinet secretary over whom he has oversight responsibility, and is placed in handcuffs on the ground. Shameful,' he wrote. Other state officials have commended Kehoe for his actions. U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) said the governor is sending a strong message. 'We support the first amendment right of every Missourian to peacefully demonstrate, but violence and riots will NOT be tolerated in the Show Me State,' Alford wrote on x. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey thanked Kehoe for 'taking preemptive measures to ensure the lawlessness we've seen across our country does not reach our state.' 'We will not allow what is going on in LA to happen in Missouri,' Bailey wrote on X. On President Trump's order, thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines were deployed to Los Angeles following protests in response to the administration's enforcement of immigration laws. This has prompted Los Angeles officials to enforce curfews. Gov. Gavin Newsom accused the president of abusing his authority. In addition to protests nationwide, activists are also planning 'No Kings' events across the country Saturday to coincide with the president's planned military parade in Washington. In Kansas City, a 'No Kings Rally' will be held Saturday at the Country Club Plaza from noon to 3 p.m. Texas has also readied roughly 5,000 National Guard troops ahead of expected protests. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
At least 30 ‘No Kings' rallies planned Saturday in Missouri, thousands nationwide
U.S. Army soldiers work on an assortment of M1 Alpha a3 Abrams tanks, stryker armored vehicles, and M2 Bradley fighting vehicles at West Potomac Park along the Potomac River on Wednesday in Washington, D.C. Tanks and other heavy military equipment have arrived in the nation's capital for a military parade in honor of the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary, which coincides with President Donald Trump's birthday and Flag Day (). A 'No Kings' demonstration is scheduled Saturday in downtown Columbia, one of nearly 30 planned in Missouri and almost 2,000 across the country against Trump administration policies. The 'No Kings Day of Defiance' was organized nationwide at the same time a military parade will mark the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary in Washington, D.C. The date also coincides with President Donald Trump's 79th birthday. In response to the planned rallies in Missouri, Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Thursday that he had activated the Missouri National Guard in preparation for the protests. The Guard will be mobilized only if 'assistance is needed to support local law enforcement,' according to a news release from the governor's office. The rallies across the country are intended to 'honor civil liberties for all' and protest deportation, U.S. actions in Gaza and recent funding cuts to government departments such as USAID, said Jeff Stack, coordinator of the Mid-Missouri Fellowship of Reconciliation and an organizer of the demonstration in Columbia. A number of rallies are planned in Kansas City and St. Louis, with additional demonstrations scheduled in Boonville, Fayette, Marshall, Jefferson City, Warrensburg, Cape Girardeau, Springfield, Joplin, Rolla, St. Joseph, Poplar Bluff, West Plains, Kirksville, Maryville, Clinton and several other locations. The demonstrations were spurred by the 50501 movement, a network of opposition that organizes and calls for protests across the country. The number refers to 50 protests, 50 states, one movement, according to the organization's website. It began on the social media platform Reddit after Trump's second inauguration in January. The movement issued a statement earlier this month that 'all No Kings events adhere to a shared commitment to nonviolent protest and community safety.' Saturday is also Flag Day, a federal holiday that marks the adoption of the American flag on the date in 1777. No protest rally will be held in Washington, D.C., with the organizers saying it will 'make action everywhere else the story of America that day.' The rally in Columbia will be a 'nonpartisan event,' Stack said. It is not in direct response to the presence of the National Guard and ICE in Los Angeles, Stack said, but federal action on the streets of California is emblematic of what will be protested. 'We're not aligned with one particular party,' Stack said. 'We're just concerned about the policies.' The goals of 'No Kings' are to 'give people a chance to come together to air grievances' and 'honor the human rights and civil rights that we all have,' he said. Cutting federal funding, deporting immigrants, enacting policies that 'benefit the wealthiest of the wealthy' and laying off scores of federal employees are examples of the grievances, Stack said. The demonstration in Columbia will begin at 11 a.m. at the Boone County Courthouse, 705 E. Walnut St. Speakers will address the crowd until about 12:30 p.m., when there will be a march through downtown. This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online.
