RNC includes Jacob Blake in opening prayer

Norma Urrabazo, pastor of the International Church of Las Vegas, began Night Two of the Republican National Convention by saying a prayer for Jacob Blake, the 29-year-old Black man who was shot at least seven times in the back by police in Kenosha, Wis., on Sunday.

While George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis in May was mentioned during the first night of the convention, Tuesday was the first time Blake has been mentioned. 

“Lord, we come before you to ask for your spirit of peace to come over hurting communities in Wisconsin tonight. We pray for healing and comfort to Jacob Blake and his family,” Urrabazo said.

Blake’s family, along with civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump, held a press conference Tuesday to announce a civil suit against the Kenosha Police Department and to provide an update on Blake’s condition. Crump said Blake was paralyzed from the waist down and that it would take a “miracle” for him to walk again.

Blake was critically wounded on Sunday afternoon after officers responded to a reported domestic incident.

Graphic cellphone footage showed Blake walking away from a pair of police officers toward his car. As he attempted to get in his car — where his three children were — an unidentified officer could be seen pulling Blake back by his shirt before firing off several rounds.

Witnesses have said that Blake was not a part of the incident but was trying to break it up when police arrived.

Tense protests have rocked Kenosha the past two days, prompting Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) to mobilize the state’s National Guard.

Tuesday afternoon, Evers announced that he would be increasing the National Guard’s presence in the city. 

“We are assessing the damage to state property and will be increasing the presence of the Wisconsin National Guard to ensure individuals can exercise their right safely, protect state buildings and critical infrastructure, and support first responders and fire fighters,” Evers tweeted.

Urrabazo also included police officers in her prayer.

“We pray for your protection over those who put their lives in harm’s way to bring safety and security to our streets,” the faith leader said.

She added, “We pray that the truth and justice will be at the heart of all decisions that our made by our leaders and that we, as a people, will seek reconciliation with you as we do with each other.”

Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul (D) on Monday vowed to “vigorously and fully investigate” what happened.

White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said Monday that President Trump was going to be briefed on the situation.