Missouri Governor Sued Over Preemptive Declaration of Emergency, National Guard Activation

Strategic Insights -

Lucas Cierpiot, a disability-rights activist and son of state Sen. Mike Cierpiot, is suing Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe over his preemptive declaration of a state of emergency and activation of the National Guard in June 2025. Cierpiot alleges that the governor's actions violated his First Amendment rights, as well as his right to free assembly and association, particularly since he is legally blind in one eye and feared potential harm from rubber bullets, pepper spray, and tear gas. The lawsuit claims that Kehoe's declaration was an abuse of process, as there were no protests occurring in Missouri at the time, and that the governor's order was an act of discrimination based on disability.

Key Takeaways:

  • Lucas Cierpiot, a disability-rights activist, is suing Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe over his preemptive declaration of a state of emergency and activation of the National Guard in June 2025.
  • Cierpiot alleges that the governor's actions violated his First Amendment rights, as well as his right to free assembly and association, particularly since he is legally blind in one eye and feared potential harm from rubber bullets, pepper spray, and tear gas.
  • The lawsuit claims that Kehoe's declaration was an abuse of process, as there were no protests occurring in Missouri at the time.
  • The governor's order was described as an "unnecessary provocation to thwart public dissent" by the ACLU of Missouri and a "blatant attempt to intimidate and suppress First Amendment rights" by House Minority Leader Ashley Aune.
  • Cierpiot's father, state Sen. Mike Cierpiot, is a Republican from Lee's Summit.
  • The lawsuit was filed in Jackson County, and Cierpiot is currently representing himself, stating that he is in the process of interviewing attorneys.
  • Cierpiot previously filed a formal complaint accusing Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey of violating the rules of professional conduct for lawyers, but the complaint was dismissed by the Missouri Supreme Court.

Statistics:

  • 2,000 to 3,000 protesters gathered in cities and towns across Missouri, as well as around the steps of the Missouri Capitol in Jefferson City, on June 14, 2025.
  • The protests were peaceful and came and went without incident.
  • President Donald Trump hosted a military parade in Washington on his birthday while demonstrations against his immigration crackdowns and dismissals of federal workers took place throughout the U.S.

Sources:

  • The Missouri Independent: "Anti-Trump ‘No Kings' rallies draw thousands to peaceful protests across Missouri"
  • The Missouri Independent: "Lucas Cierpiot sues Governor Mike Kehoe over National Guard deployment"
  • Newsfromthestates.com: "No Kings protests around nation denounce Trump's actions"
  • The Missouri Independent: "Anti-Trump ‘No Kings' rallies draw thousands to peaceful protests across Missouri"
  • Missouri Independent: "GOP legislators' son asks Supreme Court to order inquiry into donations to Missouri AG"