“This is a limited mobilization of the National Guard focused on supporting the needs of local first responders to protect critical infrastructure, such as utilities and fire stations, and to ensure Kenoshians are able to assemble safely,” Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers said.
Following the shooting of Blake, which was caught on a cellphone camera and said to be over a “domestic incident,” protesters took to the streets and clashed with police. Multiple vehicles were set on fire, and businesses were vandalized and looted.
Citizens are now under a curfew following the rioting which goes into effect at 8pm on Monday, but neither the deployment of the National Guard, nor the curfew that took effect at 8 pm on Monday evening deterred protesters, some of them toting guns, from taking to the streets of Kenosha for the second night in a row.
The unrest was sparked by the shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake, a black man, by police on Sunday. Blake was shot seven times from behind and is now being treated in hospital for his injuries.The showdown between Blake and the officers, said to be over a domestic violence incident, was caught on a cellphone camera, with the footage triggering mass protests in the city which have quickly spiraled into riots, looting and vandalism.
On Monday evening, protesters set out marching toward the courthouse, protected by lines of officers clad in full riot gear. It did not take long before protesters began hurling objects at police, who moved to clear out the crowd with control munitions, including rubber bullets and tear gas, forcing the gathered to scatter.
The first night of mayhem on Monday has left scores of cars scorched and businesses ransacked, prompting Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers to call in National Guard troops to quell the violence.