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
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Your support makes all the difference.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.
Wisconsin attorney general says agency 'will unwavering pursue justice' in shooting
Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Paul said his agency "will unwavering pursue justice" following the shooting of Jacob Blake by police officers on Sunday evening.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting.
"The Wisconsin Department of Justice is vigorously and thoroughly investigating yesterday's officer-involved shooting in Kenosha. As with all investigations we conduct, we will unwaveringly pursue justice in this case," Mr Kaul said in a statement.
"I hope for a full recovery for the man fighting for his life. He and his family are in my thoughts, as is the entire Kenosha community. In most cases, including this case, Wisconsin state law grants primary prosecutorial authority to the district attorney, who decides whether to file charges. We will work closely with the Kenosha County District Attorney's Office throughout this case."
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