Protests erupt in Wisconsin after police shoot Black man in Kenosha

KENOSHA, Wis. — Hundreds of protesters took to the streets in Wisconsin after a viral video appeared to show Kenosha police shooting a Black man in the back several times while officers responded to a reported domestic incident.

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Portesters, police clash in Kenosha, Wisconsin Protesters link arms in front of a police line outside the Kenosha County courthouse Monday, Aug. 24, 2020, in Kenosha, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

The shooting happened around 5 p.m. Sunday, according to The Associated Press. A video from the scene appears to show officers following the man, who was identified by Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers as Jacob Blake, with their weapons drawn as Blake opens the door of an SUV. At least one officer could be seen firing several shots at the man’s back.

>> Click here to watch the video (WARNING: Graphic content. Viewer discretion advised.)

Kenosha police said in a news release issued early Monday that Blake was flown to a Milwaukee hospital in serious condition after the shooting.

“Tonight, Jacob Blake was shot in the back multiple times, in broad daylight, in Kenosha, Wisconsin,” Evers said in a statement late on Sunday. “While we do not have all of the details yet, what we know for certain is that he is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country.”

Attorney Benjamin Crump, who is representing Blake’s family, said Blake was shot in front of his three sons.

“Blake was helping to deescalate a domestic incident when police drew their weapons and tasered him,” Crump said. “As he was walking away to check on his children, police fired their weapons several times into his back at point blank range. Blake’s three sons were only a few feet away and witnessed police shoot their father.”

The shooting sparked protests, with some people setting cars on fire and smashing windows. Social media posts showed neighbors gathering in the nearby streets and shouting at police. Some could be heard chanting, “No justice, no peace!” Others appeared to throw objects at officers and damage police vehicles.

Officers fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation is investigating the shooting with the help of the Wisconsin State Patrol and Kenosha County Sheriff’s Office, Kenosha police said.

The officers involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while authorities investigate the incident.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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