KANSAS CITY, Mo. Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe on Thursday declared a State of Emergency and activated the Missouri 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 federal government’s immigration policies, Gov. 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,” Gov. Kehoe 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.”

To read Gov. Kehoe’s full order, click here.

Lawmaker calls order a ‘blatant attempt to intimidate and suppress First Amendment rights’

Mayor Quinton Lucas’ Office shared the following 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 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. Unnecessary escalation from our nation’s capital and state capitals undermines local law enforcement and makes all less safe.”

House Minority Leader Ashley Aune (D-Kansas City) also shared her concerns Thursday, saying Gov. Kehoe’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. 

“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. 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) also condemned the governor’s actions, calling it an “unnecessary provocation.”

The ACLU released the following statement Thursday evening:

“Governor Kehoe’s decision to activate Missouri’s National Guard serves as an unnecessary provocation to thwart public dissent. 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. We emphasize attendees to prioritize de-escalation, even in moments of governmental provocation and fear-mongering, and to lookout for one another.”

The mayor also posted on X after California Senator Alex Padilla was forcibly removed from a press conference:

Missouri lawmaker: ‘We will not allow what is going on in LA to happen in Missouri’

Other state officials are commending Gov. Kehoe for his actions.

U.S. Representative Mark Alford 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,” Rep. Alford said on X.

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey thanked Gov. 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 said on X.

On Trump’s order, thousands of National Guard troops and hundreds of Marines were deployed to Los Angeles—following protests in response to the president’s enforcement of immigration laws.

This has prompted Los Angeles officials to enforce curfews. Gov. Gavin Newsom accused the president of abusing his authority, and a court hearing is set for Thursday afternoon regarding Trump’s decision to send troops into Los Angeles.

This week, protests have been popping up across the United States in response to President Trump’s actions. Activists are also planning “No Kings” events across the country on Saturday to coincide with Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C.

In Kansas City, a “No Kings Rally” will be held Saturday at the Country Club Plaza from noon to 3 p.m.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.