Fact Check: In Missouri, Gov. Mike Kehoe activated his state’s National Guard on Thursday as a precautionary measure.

Fact Check: "In Missouri, Gov. Mike Kehoe activated his state’s National Guard on Thursday as a precautionary measure."

What We Know

On June 12, 2025, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed Executive Order 25-25, which activated the Missouri National Guard in response to planned immigration enforcement protests across the state. The activation was described as a precautionary measure due to recent civil unrest observed nationwide. Governor Kehoe emphasized the state's commitment to protecting the right to peaceful protest while also stating that violence and lawlessness would not be tolerated in Missouri (Governor Kehoe Activates Missouri National Guard as ...). The Executive Order declared a State of Emergency in Missouri, allowing the Adjutant General to mobilize National Guard personnel as needed to assist local law enforcement (Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe activates National Guard ...).

Analysis

The claim that Governor Mike Kehoe activated the National Guard is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The official press release from the Governor’s office details the activation and the reasoning behind it, highlighting the proactive approach taken to ensure public safety (Governor Kehoe Activates Missouri National Guard as ...). Additionally, news reports from outlets like Fox4KC and The Hill corroborate the details, confirming that the activation was indeed a precautionary measure ahead of anticipated protests (Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe activates National Guard ..., Missouri governor activates National Guard, declares state ...).

While some sources, such as KCTV5, raised concerns about the implications of activating the National Guard, labeling it as a potential provocation against public dissent, they still acknowledged the factual basis of the activation itself (Missouri National Guard activated as 'precautionary' ...). This indicates a divergence in opinion regarding the appropriateness of the action but does not dispute the fact that the activation occurred.

The sources used in this analysis are reliable, with the primary source being the official statement from the Governor's office, which is authoritative. Other news outlets reporting on the event are reputable and provide additional context, reinforcing the claim's validity.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that Governor Mike Kehoe activated the Missouri National Guard as a precautionary measure is accurate. The activation was officially documented in Executive Order 25-25 and reported by multiple credible news sources. The context surrounding the activation, including the planned protests and the state's commitment to maintaining order, further supports the truth of the claim.

Fact Check: In Missouri, Gov. Mike Kehoe activated his state’s National Guard on Thursday as a precautionary measure.