St. Louis, MO  (KTRS)  Missouri Governor Eric Greitens has taken initial steps to to activate the Missouri National Guard ahead of a judge’s ruling in the first-degree murder trial of former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley.

“As Governor, I am committed to protecting everyone’s constitutional right to protest peacefully while also protecting people’s lives, homes, and communities. Taking the steps to put the Missouri National Guard on standby is a necessary precaution,” said Greitens.

Activists have warned that there will be civil unrest if Stockley is acquitted. Stockley is accused in the fatal shooting of Anthony Lamar Smith following a police chase back in 2011.