KENOSHA — Community members came together Monday morning to clean up several dozen businesses in downtown Kenosha that were destroyed during overnight unrest following the police shooting of Jacob Blake.
“I just can’t sit and do nothing, I have to do something,” said volunteer Vicki Martinson.
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Hurt, anger, and frustration poured out into the streets of Kenosha Sunday evening following the shooting of 29-year-old Jacob Blake.
Officers were called to the scene near 28th and 40th around 5:00 p.m. on Sunday for a domestic disturbance. Blake is seen in cell phone footage captured by a witness, walking away from officers, as he approached the driver side door of a vehicle, he was then shot by police.
A woman who identified herself as Blake’s financee said their children were in the vehicle when he was shot. Blake was transported to the hospital by flight for life.
“You shot him numerous times, for no reason. It didn’t take all that. Disregard that my kids were in the car at all. And you knew they were in there because I kept screaming that,” Blake's fiancee said.
Video of the shooting started circulating on social media and sparked outrage throughout the community.
“When a situation like this happens in the nation it's unfair to keep people oppressed,” said Carlos.
Several dozen businesses were damaged, and some were even destroyed overnight.
Kevin Ervin owns Frank’s Dinner located near downtown. He said he understands the situation was horrific all around, but he wishes protesters would have gone about things differently.
“It’s horrible but this doesn’t help anyone...This devastates me. As you can see this is our home, and our neighbors,” said Ervin.
Along downtown hangs signs that say “Downtown Strong." Many believe the community will come together stronger than ever.
“People coming from all over to help, its great, its fantastic that's what we need right now. Everyone from both sides to come together and help hopefully we can find peace,” said Ervin.
