Senate Homeland Security Committee Chairman Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) says Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) should reconsider his decision to refuse President Trump’s offer to send federal help to quell violent protests in Kenosha sparked by the police shooting of an unarmed Black man, Jacob Blake.
“It is heartbreaking that the violence in Kenosha has now escalated to include the loss of human life. Although it will not guarantee peace, Governor Evers should reconsider his refusal to accept President Trump’s offer to send more personnel to restore order,” Johnson said in a statement.
“Anarchy and chaos will not advance justice, and must be stopped,” the senator added.
White House chief of staff Mark Meadows said Tuesday night that Trump offered to provide additional National Guard members to contain property destruction and violence in the city.
An Evers spokesperson told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the administration offered the governor help from the Department of Homeland Security and Evers declined because his administration had already dispatched additional Guard members to Kenosha.
“The governor informed them that we would be increasing Wisconsin National Guard support in Kenosha and therefore would not need federal assistance in response to protests but would welcome additional federal support and resources for our state’s response to COVID-19,” Britt Cudaback told the newspaper.
Trump tweeted Tuesday evening that Evers “should call the National Guard in Wisconsin.”
“It is ready, willing, and more than able. End the problem FAST!” Trump tweeted.
Three people were shot and two killed overnight in Kenosha, where protesters squared off against police and a group of armed men at a gas station near the county courthouse. Police say the shooting occurred shortly before midnight and they are searching for the suspect.