Rumors Of Jacob Blake Protests In Racine Are 'False': Cops

RACINE, WI — As Jacob Blake-related protests continued this week in Kenosha, authorities in Racine say there have been rumors of related protests happening here — and they've all proven false so far.

"Due to recent events occurring in the City of Kenosha, citizens within surrounding communities, including Racine, have been inundated with rumors and social media posts of planned disturbances outside of the Kenosha area," Racine police said in a statement. "To date, all rumors and related social media posts have been determined to be false."

Several business in the Highway 20 corridor in Racine and Mount Pleasant have been taking precautions this week. Earlier, Festival Foods shut down early and workers were seen boarding up the front doors of Kohl's Department Store at the intersection of Highways 20 and 31.

As authorities receive a flood of local tips, the department is encouraging people to send "unconfirmed rumors, social media posts and other tips" to Crimestoppers via their TipSoft P3 mobile app.

Other information, such as eyewitness accounts of suspicious activity or urgent matters should be directed to 911, police said. Minor incidents should be reported to the city's dispatch center at 262-886-2300, according to an official news release from the department.