As the Kenosha County District Attorney Office ponders whether to charge the officer involved in Jacob Blake’s shooting, Kenosha City Officials are bracing themselves for what many expect to be a series of protests, both peaceful and violent.
A vote will take place on Monday by the Kenosha City Council. They will decide on a resolution brought forth by Mayor John Antaramian, which, if approved, would establish an “emergency declaration for the city ‘regarding potential civil unrest’ in the event” that DA Michael Graveley announces a decision in the first two weeks of January.
At the end of August, the violent protests that occurred after Kenosha Police Officer Rusten Sheskey shot Blake on August 23 were cited as reasoning behind the resolution, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel mentioned. The shooting left Blake paralyzed.
By the end, there were millions of dollars’ worth of damage, and over 250 people were arrested.
With expectations that the same unrest will occur based on Graveley’s decision, several businesses in the Kenosha area have already begun boarding up their windows and doors, reports stated.
Mayor Antaramian has also implemented precautionary measures to take place, including “a curfew, reduced bus service, road closures, and designation of a space for demonstrations.”
Kenosha activists are holding a rally on Monday, Jan. 4 as they wait to find out whether the police officer who shot Blake seven times will be charged.
