Governor Kehoe Declares State of Emergency: “Lawlessness Stops at Our Border”
Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe has officially declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard, issuing a stern warning that Missouri will not tolerate the violent chaos seen in Los Angeles last week.
Citing credible threats of unrest surrounding the radical left’s planned June 14 “No Kings” protests, Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-25, which mobilizes emergency forces in Kansas City, Springfield, St. Louis, and other potentially targeted communities.
“We respect the right to peacefully protest, but we will not tolerate violence or lawlessness in our state,” Kehoe declared.
“While other states may wait for chaos to ensue, Missouri is taking a proactive approach.”
A Nationwide Uprising Looms
The protests, organized by far-left extremist groups including the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), and the 50501 Movement, are targeting President Trump and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). These groups are planning 1,800 coordinated demonstrations in all 50 states.
Missouri is one of the few states taking firm action ahead of the protests—especially after violent riots paralyzed Los Angeles last week:
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11 police officers injured
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Waymo robotaxis set on fire
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Highways shut down with improvised weapons
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Widespread vandalism and looting
Divided Response from Missouri Democrats
Governor Kehoe’s decisive order immediately sparked backlash from left-wing Missouri leaders:
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Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas issued a bizarre statement comparing the state response to “ignoring Neo-Nazi marches.”
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House Minority Leader Ashley Aune accused Kehoe of “mimicking authoritarianism” and trying to “intimidate First Amendment protests.”
“This is a blatant attempt to suppress dissent against the president,” Aune wrote, despite no bans on peaceful assembly being issued.
State Leadership Unites Behind Law and Order
Missouri’s Attorney General Andrew Bailey praised Kehoe’s actions as “preemptive and necessary.”
“We will not allow what is going on in LA to happen in Missouri,” Bailey said in a widely shared X post.
“Thank you @GovMikeKehoe for ensuring the lawlessness we’ve seen across our country does not reach our state.”
National Implications: A Test of State Leadership
The June 14 protests coincide with Flag Day, the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Army, and President Trump’s birthday—turning what should be a day of patriotism into a potential powder keg of political violence.
Missouri is now leading the charge among red states to assert local control and defend law and order. In stark contrast, officials in California and New York are hands-off, even as chaos spreads.