The Lie: Rebecca Kleefisch and Empower Wisconsin have claimed Gov. Evers did too little too late in Kenosha following the officer involved shooting of Jacob Blake.
The Truth: Republicans are trying to mislead Wisconsinites for their own political gain. Despite their arguments, the facts show the state authorized additional law enforcement support the first night of unrest in Kenosha and that Gov. Evers ordered up the Wisconsin National Guard within eleven hours, continuing to expand the Guard’s presence each day. The truth is, local law enforcement and leaders from both parties praised Gov. Evers’ response.
The state of Wisconsin fulfilled every local request for support, including having Wisconsin National Guard troops on the ground within hours of Kenosha County’s request.
Even before the county’s request for National Guard support, Wisconsin Emergency Management sent assistance from neighboring agencies, including the Wisconsin State Patrol, the same night Jacob Blake was shot. Hours later, Kenosha County requested that Gov. Evers authorize the Wisconsin National Guard and he quickly fulfilled that request. After that Gov. Evers continued to deliver additional resources as they were requested from local agencies, which is how the process is designed to work.
Local Leaders Praised Gov. Evers Response:
Claims about the federal government’s involvement in Kenosha have also been found false. The National Guard is not activated or directed by the federal government. In addition to sending hundreds of Wisconsin National Guard members, Gov. Evers worked with other states to secure additional National Guard members and resources to support local law enforcement.
Gov. Evers’ response didn’t stop once the cameras and crowds went away. Since then, Gov. Evers has been working to help small businesses repair and rebuild. He has seen firsthand how resilient this community is and is investing millions to help them move forward.
Wisconsin’s recovery isn’t only about fixing buildings. The shooting of Jacob Blake again made clear how much work is left to do to address the systemic problems in our society. Following the shooting, Gov. Evers called a special session to improve police accountability and transparency, including clear use of force standards. When the legislature failed to act, he used his power to sign an executive order directing state-managed law enforcement to update use of force policies. Gov. Evers is committed to working with the legislature to take up more robust, comprehensive reforms and he won’t be satisfied until this happens.
State Response and Event Timeline:
Sunday, August 23rd: Hours after Jacob Blake is shot by a Kenosha police officer, Wisconsin Emergency Management responds to a local request authorizing neighboring agencies to assist, including the Wisconsin State Patrol.
Monday, August 24th: After the first night of unrest, Kenosha County requested Wisconsin National Guard support, which Gov. Evers authorized.
Tuesday, August 25th: Gov. Evers declares a State of Emergency and increases the Wisconsin National Guard presence.
Wednesday, August 26th:
Thursday, August 27th: