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HARRISBURG (Newsradio 1020 KDKA) - On Saturday night, Governor Tom Wolf signed a disaster emergency declaration.
The declaration will help any municipality that needs assistance during heightened protests throughout Pennsylvania’s major cities: Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.
"People have every right to speak out and demonstrate, but it's unacceptable to take advantage of protests to incite violence, harm others and destroy property.
"This declaration authorizes the commonwealth and its agencies to assist municipalities in their response to de-escalate violence and keep our communities safe," Governor Wolf said.
Wolf also activated the Commonwealth Response Coordination Center at the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) on Saturday, which would give the authority to the agency to handle emergency situations how they deem appropriate.
Resources and personnel are allocated to PEMA as needed for emergencies.
The declaration also allows for the Adjutant General to move PA National Guard personnel and use resources to handle dangerous or emergency situations.
Additionally, the declaration also reallocates $2 million to PEMA for Emergency Management Assistance Compact expenses that come from any emergency.