MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – Wisconsin law enforcement leaders are asking Gov. Tony Evers and Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes not to make statements specific to the shooting of Jacob Blake by Kenosha police until the facts of the investigation are known.
This week, the city of Kenosha experienced unrest from protests, violent riots and a deadly shooting, in reaction to Sunday’s police shooting of Jacob Blake, a Black man who was left paralyzed.
Signed by leaders of the WI Badger State Sheriff’s Association, WI Sheriff’s and Deputy Sheriff’s Association, WI Chiefs of Police Association and WI Police Executive Group, they write the comments made by the governor and lieutenant governor in the wake of Blake’s shooting are “premature, judgmental, inflammatory and only add to the anger and divisiveness of an already dangerous situation.”
They end the letter by asking Gov. Evers and Lt. Gov. Barnes to call for an end to these riots and stop the violence.
Following Sunday’s shooting, Gov. Evers said in a statement that he stands against excessive use of force when engaging with Black Wisconsinites.
He also added on Tuesday, “Tonight, and in the days ahead, if you are going to protest, please do so peacefully and safely. Please do not allow the actions of a few distract us from the work we must do together to demand justice, equity, and accountability.”
In addition, the governor issued an executive order calling the Legislature into special session to address police use of force.
Evers was also criticized for initially not sending enough help to law enforcement in Kenosha.
It was after Tuesday’s deadly shooting, Evers authorized 500 members of the National Guard to support local law enforcement around Kenosha, doubling the number of troops sent previously sent in. President Donald Trump also announced federal law enforcement officials would be sent to Kenosha.
Barnes said in an interview that Tuesday’s shootings were not surprising and that white militias have been ignored for too long.
“How many times across this country do you see armed gunmen, protesting, walking into state Capitols, and everybody just thinks it’s OK?” Barnes said. “People treat that like it’s some kind of normal activity that people are walking around with assault rifles.”
