KENOSHA, Wis. — Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth has declared a state of emergency as prosecutors prepare to announce whether they’ll charge a police officer who shot Jacob Blake and left him paralyzed.
According to WTMJ-TV in Milwaukee, a memo indicated Beth made the decision Monday. He said “the potential for disaster exists” and that the city and county are at the risk of “rioting, looting, damage to county and city property and civil unrest.”
TMJ said the Kenosha Common Council also voted Monday to give Mayor John Antaramian emergency authority.
On Aug. 23, Kenosha police officer Rusten Sheskey opened fire on Blake after responding to a domestic dispute.
The shooting triggered several nights of protests. Some of the demonstrations turned violent, with an Illinois teen opening fire on three people, killing two of them.
Prosecutors are expected to announce whether they’ll charge Sheskey any day. Gov. Tony Evers has also activated the National Guard.
Blake’s family says they don’t think Sheskey will be charged and people need to “make noise.”
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