Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has put the National Guard on standby in case of protests that could follow a St. Louis judges’ ruling. The ruling would decide whether a former St. Louis police officer is guilty of murder.
Greitens said in a news release released today (Thursday) that activating the National Guard is a (quote) necessary precaution” to help protect infrastructure and free up police for security at protests.
Testimony in former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley's trial ended August 9. Stockley shot and killed Anthony Lamar Smith in 2011. He testified Smith was reaching for a gun in his car. Prosecutors say Stockley planted the gun after killing Smith.