Already, the riots in Kenosha inspired by the police shooting of unarmed Jacob Blake, who was shot in the back while trying to enter a car with his children in the back seat (Blake was hit by 4 of the 7 shots, some reports said he had been armed at one point), have led to the deaths of at least 2 people.
Despite the governor's decision to declare a state of emergency after a second night of violence, police and the national guard were once again largely absent in a stream of horrifying video from last night's riots, which at times devolved into open street warfare between groups of rioters and armed people allegedly there to protect property.
Several videos of at least one of the fatal shootings flooded Twitter last night.
Also in the news Kenosha, WI
— Kirsten W (@QTEAM1776) August 26, 2020
MAYOR AND GOV refuse National Guard help...
Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) Tweeted:
Extended footage of the shooting in Kenosha. pic.twitter.com/ErI52KOgNQ
Guy in Kenosha got his arm turned to Swiss cheese chasing down a dude with an AR-15 pic.twitter.com/cwlHtAoZUA
— Mike Roagreser (@BTogetherAlone) August 26, 2020
While video of the other, allegedly involving the same shooter, who was confronted by several other armed citizens.
Extremely graphic: Someone at the #KenoshaRiots was just shot in the head. @livesmattershow was there to record it. pic.twitter.com/dH1t5M4AIK
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) August 26, 2020
Police confirmed to the press that they responded to two fatal shootings and at least one non-fatal shooting during the third night of protests inspired by the shooting of Blake.
Evers said he authorized 250 Wisconsin National Guard troops to protect critical infrastructure and assist Kenosha authorities, but once again, these reinforcements stayed clear of local businesses and offered almost no assistance in the protection of private property.
Kenosha officials said another 100 law enforcement officers from surrounding areas were brought in to assist local police. An 8pm curfew was in effect for the area.
“We will continue to work with local, state and federal law enforcement in holding those criminals who are destroying our city responsible,” Kenosha Mayor John Antamarian said in a statement.
And former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani had a response.
Kenosha, Wisconsin another city governed by pandering Democrats is burning to the ground.
— Rudy W. Giuliani (@RudyGiuliani) August 26, 2020
There are already two dead, many injured and innocent lives and productive businesses that are destroyed.
Biden in seclusion. @realDonaldTrump immediately pushes for National Guard.
Kenosha police said early Wednesday that they had responded to a report of multiple gunshots just before midnight. Authorities said two people were killed in the shooting, and a third gunshot victim was transported to the hospital with serious, a story that is more or less consistent with the videos we shared above.
An investigation into the shooting is reportedly ongoing. Kenosha County Sheriff David Beth told the NYT that police are investigating whether the shooting resulted from a conflict between demonstrators and a group of armed men there to protect local businesses. CNN reported that armed riot police fired tear gas and pepper spray into the crowd, while Blake's family pleaded for calm on Tuesday.
One Twitter user shared what she alleged was an interview with the shooter (who can be seen above being chased by another man with a gun) from before the attack. In the interview he can be heard saying he is armed with live ammunition.
VIDEO: The alleged #Kenosha shooter was interviewed earlier in the night who stated he was there to protect property & was carrying live ammunition in his firearm. #KenoshaRiot#KenoshaUprising#KenoshaProtests#KenoshaShooting#KenoshaPolicepic.twitter.com/UJdBV5Uol4 https://t.co/MTrDMN086J
— Saint Patrick, CSP, CRME. (@tuanstpatrick) August 26, 2020
The protests have triggered gatherings of armed citizens, some of whom said they were protecting property against looting.
