CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD) – News 2 has learned the City of Charleston is requesting assistance from the South Carolina National Guard to assist law enforcement in anticipation of more protests on Sunday. Charleston City Mayor John Tecklenburg said that the first contingent will arrive Sunday evening to help maintain law and order.

During a press conference in Columbia, Gov. McMaster said National Guardsmen and women will be made available for Charleston, Columbia and any other city in the state who needs their assistance.

Maj. Gen. Van McCarty, the adjutant general for SC said the National Guard is prepared to mobilize at the direction of Governor McMaster in support of local law enforcement during potential unrest.

“Civilian law enforcement personnel will continue to be the lead organization, with the SC National Guard assisting with crowd control, general security, and patrols, as needed,” said Maj. Gen. McCarty. “Our Soldiers and Airmen will augment these civilian entities to enhance law enforcement agencies’ ability to provide continued public safety and critical infrastructure security to allow citizens to peacefully protest.”