KENOSHA, WI (WSAU) — About 500 Wisconsin National Guard has been activated to respond to any potential problems that could arise out of the Kyle Rittenhouse verdict.
In a joint statement released Friday afternoon, both Governor Evers and Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp confirmed that they are keeping an eye on the trial and talking with local authorities about the situation.
“We continue to be in close contact with our partners at the local level to ensure the state provides support and resources to help keep the Kenosha community and greater area safe,” said Gov. Evers. “The Kenosha community has been strong, resilient, and has come together through incredibly difficult times these past two years, and that healing is still ongoing. I urge folks who are otherwise not from the area to please respect the community by reconsidering any plans to travel there and encourage those who might choose to assemble and exercise their First Amendment rights to do so safely and peacefully.”
“We stand ready to support our communities during times of need,” said Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general. “In close coordination with the governor, we have assembled approximately 500 Soldiers to help keep the Kenosha community safe, should a request from our local partners come in.”
Both Evers and Knapp noted that the Guard will stage outside Kenosha and will only activate if asked to do so by local authorities. Should they be called in, their duties will be limited to providing support to local law enforcement and protecting critical infrastructure and cultural institutions necessary for the well-being of the community. If needed they can also provide support to first responders such as the Kenosha Fire Department.
