Wolf Signs Disaster Emergency For Philly Ahead Of Chauvin Verdict

PHILADELPHIA — Gov. Tom Wolf has signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency for Philadelphia, sending hundreds of Pennsylvania National Guard members to the city as it prepares for possible unrest following a verdict in the Derek Chauvin trial.

Wolf said more than 1,000 active-duty members will be sent to Philadelphia at the request of city officials.

Closing arguments are set to begin Monday.

Chauvin, a Minneapolis, Minn. police officer, is on trial for the death of George Floyd, who died after Chauvin kneeled on his neck during an arrest last May.

"This declaration allows the commonwealth to take preemptive steps to ensure the safety of our fellow Pennsylvanians," Wolf said. "The activation of the National Guard supports the current efforts in Philadelphia to protect our beloved neighbors and city."

Mayor Jim Kenney also issued a statement to residents regarding the upcoming verdict.

"When the verdict comes, no matter the outcome, let us resolve to demonstrate peacefully, to voice the pain and anguish loud and clear but without destruction, and let us stay united working to ensure that Black lives matter today — and every day," Kenney said. "We need to remember our neighbors who own small businesses and stores along our commercial corridors. We need to look out for each other. All of us have the right to express our beliefs. We have the right to gather, march and protest peacefully and safely. Great progress has been made when we unite in a common cause for the greatest good, and peaceful protest is the American way."

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw last week said areas of the city will see an increased police presence, including officers on foot, bikes, on horseback and some with police clergy

Businesses in the Port Richmond and West Philadelphia neighborhoods, which were hit hard by looting and rioting during protests over the deaths of Floyd and Walter Wallace Jr. last year, were boarding up last week in preparation for more unrest.

Outlaw said the department is prepared for any civil unrest following the verdict.

"We know that regardless of this verdict, emotions are raw and tensions are bound to be high," she said. "I want to ensure the public that we are here to protect their First Amendment rights."

However, she said unlawful behavior will not be tolerated.

"The safety of all demonstrators, along with the safety of our residents, business owners, and visitors is a top priority of the PPD," she said. "I am confident that our department is prepared for whatever may come our way."

Outlaw said the department has canceled days off for members of the force to ensure adequate staff numbers are available for any unrest, as well as other unrelated issues that may arise.

Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard may be conducting area security, manning traffic control points, and providing security at critical infrastructure sites while in the city, according to Wolf's office.

Details of specific troop locations, numbers, and timelines were not disclosed due to safety concerns, Wolf's office said.

A Proclamation of Disaster Emergency is effective for a 90-day period unless sooner rescinded or extended by official action by Wolf.

Kenney also announced that the city will be hosting six virtual community healing circles over the next three weeks, as well as resources for communities to host their own events to provide safe spaces for neighbors to come together in solidarity. More information is available online here.