KENOSHA — The family of Jacob Blake and their supporters are marching Monday, calling for the firing of the Kenosha police officer who shot Blake seven times last summer.
Following a press conference, the marchers circled the Kenosha Municipal Building, wanting to show city officials that they want change.
"We’re not going to stop until he’s fired. Indicted. Has a day in court and convicted," said Justin Blake, Jacob's uncle. "We know right is right and there is no compelling evidence for anything that came out of this Kangaroo court that would justify shooting anyone seven times in the back.”
Last week, the Kenosha County District Attorney decided to not chargeKenosha Police Officer Rusten Sheskey, arguing that the officer acted in self-defense. The officer remains on administrative leave.
Also on Monday, the Wisconsin National Guard demobilized from Kenosha. They had been sent there to protect businesses ahead of the charging decision, setting the stage for tension as disappointed Kenosha residents learned that no one would be charged.
“Last time, BLM was there, they had tanks, guns and everything for us waiting. They gave them the key to the Capitol," said Justin Blake, referring to the protests over Jacob's shooting. "So what’s the connection? Systemic racism embedded in our government that leads to tyranny in our community and terrorism in our community.”
Justin Blake told TMJ4's Tony Atkins that members of his family will have meetings with President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
They hope to also find ways to make sure that what happened to Jacob Blake doesn't happen to anyone else.
Blake is still recovering from the injuries, paralyzed from the waist down.
The shooting sparked protests and unrest in Kenosha and across the country, the latest instance in which a Black man was shot by white police officers.
