National Guard Mobilized To Help Authorities In Wauwatosa

WAUWATOSA, WI—Gov. Tony Evers authorized the Wisconsin National Guard to support local law enforcement authorities in Wauwatosa after officials there requested assistance to help ensure public safety, according to a news release.

Local authorities requested Wisconsin National Guard assistance and troops mobilized this week to state active duty in advance of an anticipated charging decision regarding a fatal shooting involving now suspended Wauwatosa Police Officer Joseph Mensah. The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office will determine if Mensah will face criminal charges in the death of 17-year-old Alvin Cole.

“One of our core missions in the Wisconsin National Guard is to serve our fellow citizens and preserve public safety,” said Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general in a news release. “Our Citizen Soldiers and Airmen live and work in the same communities all across Wisconsin, and we’re well-trained and prepared to assist our neighbors in any way we can.”

For operational security reasons, the Wisconsin National Guard will not confirm specific troop numbers as it relates to this mission, however, pursuant to Section 321.39(1)(a) of the Wisconsin Statutes, the governor ordered into state active duty members of the Wisconsin National Guard deemed necessary to support to local law enforcement and first responders in Wauwatosa.

Guard members called to active duty will be used to support local law enforcement efforts to preserve public safety, protect critical infrastructure, and cultural institutions necessary for the well-being of the community, and to provide support to first responders such as the Wauwatosa Fire Department.