MILWAUKEE — The National Guard is being called in to assist the Milwaukee Police Department, amidst ongoing protesting in the city.
According to the release, at the request of city leaders, Governor Tony Evers is authorizing the Wisconsin National Guard to support the Milwaukee community’s response to “agitators that have disrupted peaceful protests.”
Gov. Evers, County Executive Crowley, and Mayor Barrett released the following statement:
“It is critical that people are able to peacefully express their anger and frustration about systemic racism and injustice, in Milwaukee, the State of Wisconsin, and our Nation. This limited authorization of citizen soldiers from the Wisconsin National Guard will help protect people who are exercising their First Amendment rights and ensure the safety of the public.”
Several local businesses have damaged and looted so far this weekend.
In addition, a 38-year-old MPD officer was also shot and wounded near Locust and Palmer around 3:30 Saturday morning.