Gov. Wolf activates National Guard as Philadelphia prepares for potential unrest

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — On Friday, Gov. Tom Wolf signed a proclamation of disaster emergency and activated more than 1,000 Pennsylvania National Guard troops to Philadelphia.

Philadelphia police and city officials are preparing from any unrest that might occur following the verdict in the trial of former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin, who is charged in the death of George Floyd.

Closing arguments in Chauvin's trial are scheduled for Monday, and city officials say they have learned from their mistakes in responding to the protests against police brutality and racial injustice after Floyd's death in late May.

The city is partnering with community groups to provide virtual and in-person safe places for people to meet up if they need support, creating civilian business watch programs and canceling police officers' days off in case unrest erupts.

“This declaration allows the commonwealth to take preemptive steps to ensure the safety of our fellow Pennsylvanians,” said Governor Wolf. “The activation of the National Guard supports the current efforts in Philadelphia to protect our beloved neighbors and city.”

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