Jacob Blake case – latest: Wisconsin mobilises national guard as Kenosha police face charges over shooting

Jacob Blake speaks from hospital bed says it hurts to breathe

The city of Kenosha, Wisconsin is preparing for protests when a charging decision comes in the police shooting of Jacob Blake. A decision is expected imminently.

 Safety efforts announced by local officials include designated demonstration spaces, road closures, a curfew, protective fencing, and limitations on city bus routes. The National Guard is preparing for any unrest.

Mr Blake, who is Black, was shot in the back seven times on 23 August after walking away from a white police officer and two others who were trying to arrest him.

Officer Rusten Sheskey opened fire after Mr Blake opened an SUV’s driver-side door and leaned into the vehicle. Blake was left paralyzed from the waist down.

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Wisconsin National Guard mobilised

A statement from the governor’s office reads: 

At the request of local authorities, Gov. Tony Evers has authorized the Wisconsin National Guard to support local law enforcement authorities in Kenosha after officials there requested the Guard’s assistance to help ensure public safety.

“We are continuing to work with our local partners in the Kenosha area to ensure they have the state support they need, just as we have in the past,” said Gov. Evers. “Our members of the National Guard will be on hand to support local first responders, ensure Kenoshans are able to assemble safely, and to protect critical infrastructure as necessary.”

Wisconsin statutes allow the national guard to support local law enforcement and first responders, and to protect critical infrastructure and cultural institutions. They may not be used to impede the ability of people to peacefully protest nor the ability of the media to report on events.

Approximately 500 troops have been mobilised ahead of the expected charging decision.

Oliver O’Connell5 January 2021 16:41

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Ahead of a decision regarding charges against Mr Shesky, city officials have rolled out plans in preparation for potential unrest as activists calling for justice for Mr Blake want the police officer to face charges.

On Monday, Mr Blake’s family urged police and prosecutors to fire and charge the officer who opened fire on Mr Blake paralysing him from the waist down.

Oliver O’Connell5 January 2021 16:36

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Hello and welcome to The Independent’s rolling coverage of events in Kenosha, Wisconsin in advance of a possible ruling in the case of the shooting of Jacob Blake by police officer Rusten Shesky in August 2020.

Oliver O’Connell5 January 2021 16:32

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