Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has deployed 500 national guard members to the greater Kenosha area as protests continue following the shooting of Jacob Blake.
Blake was shot seven times by local police officers in Kenosha, Wisconsin on August 23, 2020. Prior to the shooting, Blake reportedly attempted to break up a fight nearby between two women. After attempting to break up the dispute, video shows four officers following Blake to his car. As he opened the door to his car, officers shot Blake seven times while his children sat nearby in the car. Blake’s father has since reported that he is alive, but is paralyzed from the waist down.
In the wake of this event, residents have taken to the streets to protest this most recent shooting as well as the killings of other Black people at the hands of police. Most recently, 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse opened fire at a crowd of demonstrators. Rittenhouse’s actions resulted in two homicides. He is currently in custody and is facing a first-degree homicide charge.
City officials have instituted a 7 p.m. curfew and have increased police presence throughout the area. National Guard members will assist local law enforcement’s effort to enforce this curfew.
