President Donald Trump announced that Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has accepted federal enforcement assistance in the wake of deadly protests stemming from Kenosha Police shooting Jacob Blake on Sunday.
The President said in a tweet that he is sending federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Kenosha. There was no specific word on what federal agency would provide law enforcement assistance.
The Governor has authorized 500 Wisconsin National Guard members to help local law enforcement Wednesday, while also working with other states to create more support for the National Guard and Wisconsin State Patrol.
Evers doubled the Wisconsin National Guard presence in Kenosha Tuesday night to 250 members, up from 125 on Monday night.
“Any Guard members called to active duty may only be used to provide support to local law enforcement and to protect critical infrastructure and cultural institutions necessary for the well-being of the community, and to provide support to first responders such as the Kenosha Fire Department. The Wisconsin National Guard may not be used to impede the ability of people to peacefully protest or impede the ability of the media to report on this situation,” a news release from the Governor’s Office said.
Two people were killed with another person injured in a shooting in the late night hours of Tuesday. A suspect from Illinois has been arrested.