Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency Thursday and activated 1,000 National Guard troops in response to ongoing violent protests in downtown Atlanta following a shooting last week near a controversial future law enforcement training site in which a Georgia state trooper was wounded and a man was killed.
The state of emergency is in effect until Feb. 9, according to the document, unless renewed by the governor.
The Atlanta protests center around the building of the Atlanta Public Safety Training Center, nicknamed "Cop City."
On Jan. 21, six people were arrested after protests at "Cop City" led to property damage and a police vehicle being set ablaze.
Some of the arrested protestors were found with explosives, Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens said.
The state of emergency declaration authorizes the Georgia National Guard to be used in response to continued protests.
"We are closely monitoring the events in Memphis and are prepared to support peaceful protests in our city," Atlanta police said. »