Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in Georgia until February 9 and called in 1,000 National Guard troops in anticipation of violent protests in the state.

Kemp issued the emergency order immediately after five Memphis, Tennessee police officers charged with second degree murder in the killing of Tyro Nichols, a black motorist who died after struggling with officers during a traffic stop.

Video of the encounter — described as “absolutely horrific” by the director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation — is expected to be released Friday night. Protests were planned across the country after the video was released.

The order also comes after protests in downtown Atlanta over the shooting death of activist Manuel Terrano at the site of the city’s future community training center, which opponents have dubbed “Police City.” turned violent last weekend.

The state of emergency “gives the governor the authority to authorize the Georgia National Guard to suppress riots and unlawful assemblies.”

Governor Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency in Georgia until February 9 and called in 1,000 National Guard troops in anticipation of violent protests in the state.

Kemp issued the emergency order immediately after five Memphis, Tennessee police officers charged with second degree murder in the killing of Tyro Nichols, a black motorist who died after struggling with officers during a traffic stop.

Video of the encounter — described as “absolutely horrific” by the director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation — is expected to be released Friday night. Protests were planned across the country after the video was released.

The order also comes after protests in downtown Atlanta over the shooting death of activist Manuel Terrano at the site of the city’s future community training center, which opponents have dubbed “Police City.” turned violent last weekend.

The state of emergency “gives the governor the authority to authorize the Georgia National Guard to suppress riots and unlawful assemblies.”