SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem on Monday said she is keeping the National Guard deployed and ready to step in if demonstrations over the death of George Floyd turn violent.
The Republican governor deployed National Guard troops to the scene of a violent protest in Sioux Falls on Sunday night after stores were vandalized and protesters hurled rocks at police. Her comments came shortly after President Donald Trump told governors in a video conference call they “look like fools” for not deploying more National Guard members to demonstrations across the country.
Noem said she would keep the National Guard “pre-staged” nearby protests planned in other cities across the state.
“Rioting and looting will not be tolerated,” she said.
The governor said there was a “stark contrast” between the peaceful protest in downtown Sioux Falls and the vandalism that occurred during the night near the city’s largest mall. Sioux Falls police are investigating vandalism at several businesses.
“Protests have a purpose,” she said. “That purpose was met yesterday in a peaceful protest that I think for many people honored the memory of George Floyd but also recognized that we have to take action.”
Noem said she wanted to work towards solutions against inequality and racial discrimination.
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