PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Governor Tom Wolf has activated more than 1,000 Pennsylvania National Guard troops after a request from the City of Philadelphia, as protests are anticipated for the time a verdict comes for Derek Chauvin, the former Minneapolis police officer who is on trial for the killing of George Floyd in May of 2020.
Philadelphia's mayor, police commissioner and other city and community leaders urged people to stay peaceful, but the post-verdict public safety plan for Philadelphia includes using the guard and possible use of tear gas.
“This declaration allows the commonwealth to take preemptive steps to ensure the safety of our fellow Pennsylvanians,” said Governor Wolf in a statement.
“The activation of the National Guard supports the current efforts in Philadelphia to protect our beloved neighbors and city.”
Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said some may see guard troops in their neighborhoods, but she gave assurances nothing will happen like it did last May and June.
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"I believe that the majority of the demonstrations that we see will be peaceful, and we're prepared either way," said Outlaw.
"I'm not really worried, but I do know and we expect that there will be some tensions and some anxiety. It's expected.”
Closing arguments in the case are set to start Monday, with the jury expected to begin deliberations next week.
Mayor Jim Kenney acknowledged mistakes from last spring during civil unrest, but urged the community to remain peaceful, however the verdict goes.
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"What we don't want is to go backwards again. God forbid this decision goes wrong, people are going to be angry and rightfully so. I'm going to be angry. But as it may, we have to understand that we need each other, and that we have come through so much that we can't allow this to slide us back," said Kenney.
"Justifiable anger, justifiable emotion, justifiable concern with injustice, absolutely. Be in the streets, march. We'll keep you safe. But let's not go back to destruction. It's too hard to rebuild."
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Mayor Jim Kenney said he does not want tear gas used, but Outlaw said she is not against using tear gas.
“I do believe it does not make sense to remove a less lethal munition, because we never know what would happen. But again, it depends on the situation," Outlaw explained.
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Philadelphia Police have cancelled all days off for officers, and they said they will have patrols on bicycle, foot and even by horse throughout the entire city, not just Center City.
The Office of Emergency Management has activated its control center, which will remain open for the next few weeks.
The city has also called on faith and Black and Brown leaders to host planned events where people can voice frustrations and to open spaces to allow healing.