Protesters ask Gov. Pat McCrory to pull National Guard out of Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Some protesters want Gov. McCrory to pull the Army National Guard out of Charlotte on Monday night.

The National Guard arrived in the Queen City after the governor declared a state of emergency last Wednesday.

Reporter Dave Faherty spoke with the governor Monday afternoon about his decision on whether to pull out the troops.

McCrory said he has had several conference calls with law enforcement and city leaders seeking their input on whether to draw down the state response.

"I will seek advice from the police chief and his team, and I will follow his advice," McCrory said.

McCrory said that before he makes any decision on the National Guard, he will listen to what Charlotte police Chief, Kerr Putney says he needs.

"I've committed to the police chief that we will give him the resources necessary based on the current circumstances, and I hope these men and women get to go home soon," McCrory said.

The National Guard rolled into uptown Charlotte on Wednesday and set up along East Trade Street, where reaction to their presence has been mixed.

"It's extreme. It’s something different.  I think it is unnecessary," visitor Travis London said.

But others, like security personnel at Time Warner Cable Arena, were pleased by the arrival of the National Guard after several of its windows were smashed during the second night of protests.

"They're here as a protective force, and we really appreciate that. So it's a good thing," a security personnel spokesperson said.

Putney said the National Guard would focus on protecting infrastructure and assets in the city, allowing CMPD to dedicate its resources to de-escalating any protests.

The governor credits the success of law enforcement effort to the leadership at CMPD.

"I gave the authority to the police chief to lead the coordination of our National Guard and of our Highway Patrol, and I thought he did an outstanding job in working together as a team and doing just that," McCrory said.

Channel 9 asked the governor for his view about the police video release over the weekend.

He said it would be inappropriate for him to comment because the SBI is conducting an investigation.

Cox Media Group