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As it happenedended

Wisconsin protests: Jacob Blake fights for his life in ICU after being shot by police seven times in the back as Trump remains silent on shooting

Conrad Duncan,Danielle Zoellner
Monday 24 August 2020 14:06 EDT
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Shots were fired in downtown Chicago as police clashed with protesters

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NFL stars, politicians, and other prominent figures are reacting to the news of an unarmed black man being shot by Wisconsin police on Sunday evening.

Jacob Blake was shot by police in Kenosha and now remains in the hospital in serious condition. His cousin confirmed on Twitter Monday that Mr Blake was out of surgery and recovering in the ICU.

Following the shooting, video surfaced from bystanders and caused outrage from NFL stars and other politicians. The footage showed officers following Mr Blake while he walked around his SUV and then reached into the driver's side of the vehicle. That was when officers shot him seven times in the back.

Mr Blake's three sons were reportedly in the vehicle at the time, civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who now represents the Blake family, confirmed on Monday.

Donald Trump's son Donald Trump Jr reacted the shooting by sharing the victim's past arrest record on Twitter, which was unrelated to the Sunday evening incident. He also condemned the violent protests that took place in Wisconsin on Sunday night.

Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden has called for a thorough investigation into the shooting of Mr Blake while stating it was time to "dismantle systemic racism" in police departments. The president has thus far not commented on the shooting.

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers announced on Monday that he authorised the deployment of the state's National Guard to Kenosha. About 125 members are expected to get to the city by Monday evening.

The decision to call the National Guard comes after Sunday's protests about Mr Blake's shooting turned violent. Protesters set fire to local business and cars, smashed windows, and interacted with police in riot gear.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation will be leading the investigation into the shooting of Mr Blake by Kenosha Police Department officers. In a statement released on Monday, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Paul said his agency "will unwavering pursue justice" in the case.

Two officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administration leave during the investigation.

Prominent Democrats like Hillary Clinton and Elizabeth Warren react to Wisconsin shooting 

Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, and Pete Buttigieg have all reacted to the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, on Sunday by police officers. 

Mrs Clinton wrote that "black lives matter" and called the altercation a "horrific case". 

Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren then demanded for accountability by the officers involved in a tweet while saying she was praying for Mr Blake's recovery. 

Mr Buttigieg said it was time for America to "confront the urgent crisis of police violence and systemic racism". 

Danielle Zoellner24 August 2020 17:57

Biden condemns 'systemic racism' in Wisconsin shooting of unarmed black man as Trump stays silent  More details into Mr Biden's response to the shooting on Sunday evening:

Danielle Zoellner24 August 2020 18:25

AOC says it's time to 'act' on solutions to solve systemic racism when reacting to shooting

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has joined the number of prominent politicians and celebrities reacting to the news of the Wisconsin shooting on Sunday. 

She listed out a series of solutions that could be put in place to address the problems America faces within communities. 

Danielle Zoellner24 August 2020 18:45

Jacob Blake's cousin says he is out of surgery and in ICU

Jacob Blake's cousin Pauly has shared on Twitter that he is out of surgery and now recovering in the ICU. 

Mr Blake was shot seven times in the back during an altercation with Kenosha police on Sunday evening. He was later taken to the hospital and said to be in critical condition. 

Video footage from the incident showed police officers following Mr Blake as he walked around to the driver's side of his vehicle. One officer then shot him in the back after Mr Blake reached into his vehicle. 

Danielle Zoellner24 August 2020 19:05

Two officers involved in Wisconsin shooting are on leave, state Justice Department says

Two of the Kenosha Police Department officers involved in the shooting of Jacob Blake are now on leave, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice. 

The Wisconsin Department of Justice's division of criminal investigation is now leading the probe into the altercation that occurred on Sunday evening between Mr Blake and police officers. 

All officers are cooperating with the investigation, the department said, and none are being identified for the public. 

"DCI is continuing to review evidence and determine the facts of this incident and will turn over investigative reports to a prosecutor following a complete and thorough investigation," the statement said.

Danielle Zoellner24 August 2020 19:27

Wisconsin police association implores public to withhold judgement about Wisconsin shooting

Kenosha Professional Police Association President Pete Deates has asked the public to withhold judgement about the police shooting of Jacob Blake while attacking Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers for his statement on Sunday. 

"Until that investigation is completed, we ask that you withhold prejudgement about the incident and let process take place." 

Mr Deates went on to say that Mr Evers statement was "wholly irresponsible and not reflective of the hardworking members of the law enforcement community." 

"As always, the video currently circulating does not capture the intricacies of a highly dynamic incident," he added. "We ask that you withhold from passing judgement until all the facts are known and released." 

On Sunday evening, Mr Evers confirmed Mr Blake's identity in the shooting and said he was taking to the hospital. 

His statement in full said: "Tonight, Jacob Blake was shot in the back multiple times, in broad daylight, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Kathy and I join his family, friends, and neighbors in hoping earnestly that he will not succumb to his injuries. While we do not have all of the details yet, what we know for certain is that he is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country."

Danielle Zoellner24 August 2020 19:50

Kamala Harris joins her running mate in calling for an investigation into shooting

The Democratic pick for Vice President in the upcoming election has joined Joe Biden in calling for an "immediate" investigation into the shooting of Jacob Blake on Sunday. 

Ms Harris added that the officers involved in the shooting "should be held accountable". 

Danielle Zoellner24 August 2020 20:10

Wisconsin governor urges lawmakers to pass police legislation during special session

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has called for a special legislative session on Monday in the wake of the shooting of an unarmed black man on Sunday evening. 

Mr Evers asked lawmakers to take up a police bill his office pushed forth earlier this year that would "increase accountability and transparency in policing." The bill would also address the appropriate use of force by officers and prohibit dangerous policing practices. 

"We will continue to stand with those who have and continue to demand justice, equity, and accountability for black lives in our country," Mr Evers said. "We also stand against excessive use of force and immediate escalation when engaging with black Wisconsinites."  

Danielle Zoellner24 August 2020 20:30

Breaking news: Wisconsin National Guard to come to Kenosha by Monday evening

 The Wisconsin National Guard has been deployed to Kenosha one day after Jacob Blake was shot by police officers.

Governor Tony Evers authorised the deployment on Monday and about 125 members are expected to get to the Wisconsin city by the evening. 

Full story here: 

Danielle Zoellner24 August 2020 20:48

Trump Jr shares unconnected arrest history of unarmed black man Jacob Blake, hours after he was shot by police​

Greg Graziosi has more details into Donald Trump Jr's tweets about Mr Blake: 

Danielle Zoellner24 August 2020 21:10

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