National Guard called to Kingman Arizona

KINGMAN, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - The Black Lives Matter protest held in Kingman, Arizona today is so far remaining peaceful, according to police.

Kingman Police Chief Rusty Cooper says he requested the National Guard yesterday, in an intent to have a show of force, "for those groups or folks that wanted to create a disturbance or to change the intent of the event."

Mayor Jen Miles took to Facebook to describe the peaceful protest:

In an earlier post, Mayor Jen Miles echoed Chief Cooper's words in saying they City of Kingman Police Chief has coordinated to ensure all resources are utilized to maintain peace.

Chief Cooper has also said citizens are likely to see National Guardsmen throughout Kingman, but the intent is not to intimidate.

Instead, the city is viewing it as an "as-need preparedness."