Wisconsin governor slams decision to not charge officers in Jacob Blake shooting

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers (D) slammed the decision by the Kenosha County District Attorney to not charge any of the officers involved in the shooting of Jacob Blake.

Kenosha County District Attorney Michael Graveley announced on Tuesday that no charges would be filed against the officers, finding they acted in self-defense.

In a statement released after the decision, Evers said Blake and his kids “witnessed violence no kid should ever see, experienced trauma no kid should ever endure, all while the world watched.” 

“And yet, when presented the opportunity to rise to this moment and this movement and take action to provide meaningful, commonsense reform to enhance accountability and promote transparency in policing in our state, elected officials took no action,” the statement continued.

Video from the incident shows Blake being shot multiple times when officers trailed him as he attempted to enter his vehicle. Blake’s three children were in the car at the time of the shooting.

Graveley noted that Blake had an active warrant for his arrest, meaning they had to make an attempt to arrest him. He also noted that Blake had a knife during the encounter. 

Blake was left paralyzed from the waist down after the shooting.

“I hope for peace and justice for Jacob, his family, and the entire Kenosha community. I reaffirm my commitment to action to build a more just, more equitable state for every Wisconsinite,” Evers said. “And I ask those who will exercise their right to assemble tonight and in the days ahead to please do so peacefully and safely.”

Blake’s shooting, which came several months after the police killing of George Floyd, sparked nationwide protests against police brutality.

Evers activated the national guard to assist local law enforcement in handling protests that were expected to arise in the wake of the shooting.