Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe sued over 'state of emergency' before 'No Kings' protests

JACKSON COUNTY, Mo. - Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe is currently facing a lawsuit over his "state of emergency" declaration issued ahead of statewide "No Kings" protests in June.

Lucas Cierpiot of Blue Springs, Missouri, formally filed the lawsuit on June 30 in Jackson County Circuit Court, according to online Missouri court records.

On June 12, 2025, Kehoe signed an executive order that declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard, just two days before several "No Kings" protests against U.S. President Donald Trump's administration took place in Missouri.

The executive order, according to Kehoe's office, was issued due to "civil unrest" and called on the National Guard "to aid executive officials of Missouri to protect life and property." Despite those concerns, no injuries were reported across any "No Kings" protests in Missouri, including one in Downtown St. Louis that drew thousands.

The executive order remained in effect through June 30, more than two weeks after the "No Kings" protests.

Cierpiot's lawsuit argues that the executive order was "an abuse of office" designed to suppress protests and intimidate demonstrators. He claims it violated rights to free speech and free assembly.

Furthermore, the lawsuit contends that the executive order "violated civil and constitutional and anti-disability discrimination rights." Cierpiot, who is visually impaired in one eye, argues that activating the National Guard left him vulnerable to potential use of force and represented discrimination against him based on his disability.

Additionally, the lawsuit criticizes Kehoe for leaving the state during the declared "state of emergency." Four days after signing the order, Kehoe departed on an international trade mission to France from June 16-20, according to a governor's office news release. The lawsuit argues that his absence undermines the legitimacy of the emergency declaration.

Cierpiot is seeking more than $25,000 in damages, along with declaratory and injunctive relief and attorney fees, as determined by a Jackson County jury.

The next court hearing in the lawsuit, a case management conference, is scheduled for Nov. 11, 2025, according to Missouri court records.

A spokesperson from Gov. Kehoe's Office tells FOX 2 it does not comment on pending litigation and referred to the initial press release announcing the executive order for context.