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Wisconsin deploys the National Guard following Jacob Blake court decision

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Five hundred troops were sent to Kenosha, Wisconsin ahead of the Jacob Blake charge. Wisconsin Governor, Tony Evers said in a press release that troops were activated this week at the request of local authorities.

Jacob Blake, 29 African American male was shot by a Kenosha police officer, Rusten Sheskey seven times leaving him paralyzed . The Caucasian officer said he shot the suspect in self defense. The incident was caught on camera by a bystander. The shooting which occurred in front of Blake’s children has sparked large protests in Kenosha, with more than 250 being arrested for standing up against police brutality.

On January 5th the Kenosha County District Attorney declined to file criminal charges against the police officer who shot Jacob Blake. Mr. Blake will also not face any charges. District Attorney Michael Graveley said Officer Rusten Sheskey was justified in his use of deadly force.

Graveley said he “would have to disprove the clear expression of these officers that they had to fire a weapon to defend themselves.”

Ben Crump, an attorney for Blake’s family, expressed disappointment with the decision not to charge the police officers, saying it “further destroys trust in our justice system” and sends a message that it is OK for police to abuse their power. Crump said he would continue to move forward with a lawsuit and fight for systemic change in policing.

Crump went on to tweet, “unreasonable fear of Black people and who are apparently incapable of making correct split-second decisions.”

Prosecutors also dropped the sexual assault charge against Blake in November he pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct. He was sentenced to two years’ probation.

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