Milwaukee County Sheriff Earnell Lucas says that his deputies have had to take protective measures in recent instances when protesters have entered the county’s freeway system.
“We know from past experience that nothing good happens when crowds of people enter the interstate,” he told WTMJ’s John Mercure on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, his deputies arrested numerous protesters during an escalating verbal conflict as they attempted to walk south on I-794.
“A group of people and (protesters’) vehicles, which added another element…were on the interstate as well. We had to get a team of deputies up there fairly quick,” he said.
“Teams of 20 (had) to suppress people moving forward by the hundreds.”
The arrested protesters included Frank “Nitty” Sensabaugh. He captured the arrest on the final seconds of his Facebook Live during the protest. (WARNING: Graphic language.)
As for Lucas’ deputies, he says they have performed as well as possible under the circumstances of the protests, where most – but not all – protesters have been peaceful.
“Even the finest violin string, if you pull it too tight, it will snap. But I’m really encouraged by how our men & women have responded…to ensure the rights of those exercising their First Amendment rights while preventing those lurking to breach the peace here,” he said.
“It’s a balancing act.”