Atlanta Mayor: No Need For Troops, Despite Governor’s Order

A member of the Georgia National Guard stands outside the State Capitol on Tuesday in Atlanta. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp mobilized the guard after a surge in gun violence in the city over the weekend.

John Bazemore / Associated Press

Updated Wednesday at 9:43 a.m.

The mayor of Atlanta said Tuesday that she doesn’t agree with the Georgia governor’s order to mobilize the National Guard in her city as a surge in violence became a political talking point.

Gov. Brian Kemp declared a state of emergency on Monday and authorized activation of up to 1,000 Guard troops after a weekend of gun violence in Atlanta left five people dead, including Secoriea Turner, an 8-year-old girl.