Trump to send federal officers to quell Wisconsin protests

  • 8/26/2020
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WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday more federal law enforcement personnel will be deployed to Kenosha, Wisconsin, to quell deadly protests sparked by the police shooting of a black man. “We will NOT stand for looting, arson, violence, and lawlessness on American streets. My team just got off the phone with Governor Evers who agreed to accept federal assistance (Portland should do the same!), the US president said in a tweet. “TODAY, I will be sending federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Kenosha, WI to restore LAW and ORDER!” Trump added. Jacob Blake, 29, was shot multiple times at close range by police on Sunday as he leaned into his car as his children watched. Blake is currently recovering in hospital and is conscious, according to his family but his lawyers say it will take "a miracle" for him to walk again. Protests have been ongoing for several nights and they turned violent early Wednesday when counter-protesters showed up with guns. Two people were shot dead and one injured, police there said. During Wednesday"s news conference, Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis confirmed that a 17-year-old from Antioch, Illinois, was arrested over the deaths of a 26- and 36-year-old during the protests. The injured individual is also 26 years of age, and is expected to recover, he said. Shortly following Trump"s tweet, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers said he had authorized 500 National Guard troops to support law enforcement efforts. Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian said the FBI, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), US Marshals as well as police across the state were already involved in efforts to quell the unrest. It was not immediately clear how many would now be deployed to the state. Trump said Evers had agreed to accept federal assistance in a phone call Wednesday with administration officials. — Agencies

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