Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley has announced that no officers will be charged in the shooting of Jacob Blake Jr.
Blake Jr.’s name became synonymous with the movement to end police brutality after she was shot multiple times in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Officer Rusten Sheskey and others initially responded to reports that he was trying to steal a car. As Blake Jr. walked away from officers and attempted to enter the car with his children inside, Sheskey fired multiple shots and ultimately paralyze Blake Jr. The officers claimed that the Wisconsin resident had a knife and that they feared for their lives.
“I do not believe the state … would be able to prove that the privilege of self-defense is not available,” Graveley said.
The absence of charges in the horrific incident disappointed many, but also did not come as surprise. Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes tweeted about his disappointment in today’s ruling.
“I wish I could say that I’m shocked. It’s another instance in a string of misapplications of justice,” Barnes stated.
In spite of recent events, the Blake family remains hopeful about Blake Jr.’s future. He continues to make strides in his physical recovery.
