Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said that the right to “peacefully protest” is protected, but those who commit “arson,” “assault,” and “anarchy” must be held accountable. He referenced the June protests in California.
“We will always defend the right to peacefully protest, but there’s nothing peaceful about arson, assault, and anarchy,” said General Chris Carr. “If you set police cars on fire, throw Molotov cocktails at law enforcement, and loot businesses, you must be held accountable.”
According to a press release, Carr, joined by 25 other Republican attorneys general, expressed support for President Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard in response to recent unrest in California. The group emphasized their stance against violence directed at law enforcement, the portrayal of mob activity as activism, and any efforts they view as undermining the restoration of public order. They also expressed concern for leaders who, in their view, prioritize politics over safety.
This 26-state coalition, led by Georgia, includes the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia.
Carr said: “In California we’re seeing the results of leadership that excuses lawlessness and undermines law enforcement. When local and state officials won’t act the federal government must.” He added: “We stand with law enforcement we support President Trump’s action and we will not let chaos take hold in our states.”
Chris Carr was appointed as Georgia’s attorney general by then-Governor Nathan Deal in 2016 and was re-elected in November 2022. Since taking office he has focused on addressing issues such as human trafficking gang activity and opioid misuse. This includes establishing the state’s first Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit and Gang Prosecution Unit. Carr served as the Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development under Governor Deal from November 2013 to November 2016.
