Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers mobilized 500 National Guard members to Kenosha in anticipation of a decision on whether prosecutors will accuse the police officer who shot Jacob Blake last year.
Guards will assist local law enforcement officials in an effort to avert the kind of disturbances and disturbances that dominated the city for several days after the August 23 shooting. The troops will protect the infrastructure and other facilities.
“We continue to work with our local partners in the Kenosha area to ensure that they have the state support they need, just as we have in the past,” said Evers, a Democrat, in a statement. “Our National Guard members will be on hand to support local first aid, ensure that the Kenoshans can meet safely and protect critical infrastructure as needed.”
KENOSHA PREPARATION FOR PROTESTS BEFORE JACOB BLAKE’S CHARGING DECISION
It was not clear how long the deployment will take.
Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Gravely will issue an indictment in the first two weeks of January, the city said.
Blake, a black man, was shot seven times in the back by Rusten Sheskey, a White Kenosha police officer in response to a domestic disturbance call. The video of the shooting captured Blake walking away from the policeman when he was shot.
The shooting left Blake paralyzed and sparked protests and riots that resulted in fatal shootings and destruction.
On Sunday, the Kenosha Police Department and Mayor John Antaramian announced additional measures to ensure public safety. The plan includes designating demonstration spaces, limiting urban bus routes, road closures, curfews and protective fences in some areas.
In a Kenosha News article, Antaramian and police chief Daniel Miskinis made it clear that the city will not tolerate any form of violence or destructive behavior.
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“We will not – we cannot – tolerate the type of violence that we saw on our streets earlier this year and we will take definitive measures to protect our residents and businesses,” they wrote.