The National Security Guard was mobilized in Kenosha, Wisconsin on Tuesday in preparation for possible violence in the city. This was done ahead of the verdict for the case of a police officer shooting Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old African American man,AFP reported.
The incident happened on August 23, 2020, and amplified the anger amongst the Americans and led to multiple protests.
Rusten Sheskey, the accused police officer, was caught on camera shooting the man in the back multiple times as he tried to get back into his vehicle with his children inside. The victim survived the incident but was paralyzed with permanent damage to his legs.
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Even though no details have been revealed about when the verdict will be announced, Michael Gravely is expected to make the announcement regarding any possible charges against the officers, AFP reported.
The county sheriff announced a state of emergency in the region to prevent any possible violence in addition to the city council using its emergency powers.
While the businesses in the city of Kenosha closed their shopfronts to protect themselves from any possible violence, Tony Evers, the governor of Wisconsin, gave the order for mobilizing 500 National Guard personnel to assist the law enforcement of the city.
The officers involved in the incident were not arrested or charged after the incident.
The protests which followed the incident turned violent on August 25th when Kyle Rittenhouse, a 17-year-old killed two protesters and injured others with an assault rifle.
The minor was later arrested and charged with murder.
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Blake’s case fed into the election battle between Democrat Joe Biden and President Donald Trump, with Biden offering support for Blake’s family and decrying systemic racism in law enforcement, while Trump expressed support for the police and law and order, and for Rittenhouse.
The incident was also used in the US Presidential elections where Democratic candidate, Joe Biden, demonstrated support for Blake and his family and also criticised the systematic racism existent in the law enforcement. On the other hand, Donald Trump backed the police and law and order, reported AFP.
