Jacob Blake news - live: Family calls for peaceful protest after no charges brought against Kenosha officer
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Your support makes all the difference.Officer Rusten Sheskey was will not be charged in the shooting of Jacob Blake over the summer, according to Kenosha County District Attorney Mike Graveley.
Mr Blake was shot in the back seven times by Mr Sheskey after attempting to leave the scene of a domestic dispute on 23 August.
Officers claimed Mr Blake had a knife at the time, but Mr Blake's lawyers contend that the claim is untrue. Mr Graveley also said Mr Blake would not be charged with any crimes.
The city of Kenosha, Wisconsin has been preparing for protests when the decision comes in. The Wisconsin National Guard has deployed. Safety efforts announced by local officials also include designated demonstration spaces, road closures, a curfew, protective fencing, and limitations on city bus routes.
In a separate development, teenager Kyle Rittenhouse today pleaded not guilty to all charges relating to the fatal shooting of two men and wounding of another in the unrest that followed the shooting of Mr Blake.
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Blake family reaction
Ben Crump, lawyer for the Blake family, tweets: "We are immensely disappointed and feel this decision failed not only Jacob and his family but the community that protested and demanded justice."
He adds: “Our work is not done and our hope is not lost.”
Mr Crump vows to continue to press forward and fight for systemic change in policing and transparency at all levels.
No charges brought against Kenosha officer Rusten Sheskey who shot Jacob Blake
Officer Rusten Sheskey will not be charged in the shooting of Jacob Blake over the summer, according to Kenosha County District Attorney Mike Graveley.
The DA has to decide whether to charge based on whether there are significant enough facts for prosecutors to convince a jury to convict on the basis of the evidence.
In moments of tragedy like this Mr Gravely says it is an opportunity to build something rather than burn something down.
He thanks the Blake family for being such a positive force in the community.
Jacob Blake shooting press conference underway
Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley is now speaking and has said he has informed Jacob Blake of the decision that has been arrived at today.
Images from Monday’s rally for Jacob Blake
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