NewsLocal News

Actions

'These shots pierce the soul of our nation': Joe Biden issues statement regarding police shooting of Jacob Blake

Posted at 10:56 AM, Aug 24, 2020
and last updated 2020-08-24 13:59:58-04

KENOSHA — Democratic candidate for President Joe Biden issued a statement Monday morning after Jacob Blake was shot and seriously injured by a Kenosha police officer.

In his statement, Biden said, "These shots pierce the soul of our nation. Jill and I pray for Jacob's recovery and for his children."

Video shows the Kenosha officer firing several shots at Blake while he had his back turned. He was then taken to a local hospital via Flight for Life. He remains in critical condition.

After the incident, Blake's fiancé came forward and said Blake's children were in the car when he was shot. They saw the whole thing.

"We are at an inflection point. We must dismantle systemic racism. It is the urgent task before us," said Biden. "We must fight to honor the ideals laid in the original American promise, which we are yet to attain: That all men and women are created equal, but more importantly that they must be treated equally."

Following Biden's statement, his running-mate Kamala Harris added her own statement saying, "there must be an immediate investigation and the officers involved should be held accountable. Jacob, our nation is praying for you and your entire family."

Biden is only one of many politicians to issue a statement regarding Sunday's shooting. Local leaders such as Senators Tammy Baldwin and Ron Johnson have also commented.

Report a typo or error // Submit a news tip