Wisconsin National Guard Mobilized In Kenosha

MADISON — Local authorities requested Wisconsin National Guard assistance, and 500 troops mobilized this week to state active duty in advance of an anticipated charging decision in the case of the officer-involved shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin that occurred Aug. 23, 2020, according to a news release.

Gov. Tony Evers authorized the Wisconsin National Guard to support local law enforcement authorities in Kenosha after officials there requested the Guard's assistance to help ensure public safety, the release said.

“We are continuing to work with our local partners in the Kenosha area to ensure they have the state support they need, just as we have in the past,” said Gov. Evers. “Our members of the National Guard will be on hand to support local first responders, ensure Kenoshans are able to assemble safely, and to protect critical infrastructure as necessary.”

“We work hand-in-hand with communities across Wisconsin to help ensure public safety, and this mobilization represents the culmination of months of planning and partnership with Kenosha,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin's adjutant general. “We are Citizen Soldiers and Airmen who live and work in the same communities as the citizens we serve, and we are always there for our neighbors when they need us.”

The National Guard may not be used to impede the ability of people to peacefully protest or impede the ability of the media to report on this situation.