Pres. Trump: Gov. Evers will accept federal help in Kenosha; 500 National Guard members called in
Updated: 1:25 p.m. on Aug. 26, 2020
KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- President Donald Trump says Gov. Tony Evers will accept federal help in Kenosha Wednesday, Aug. 26, after three nights of unrest.
We will NOT stand for looting, arson, violence, and lawlessness on American streets. My team just got off the phone with Governor Evers who agreed to accept federal assistance (Portland should do the same!)...
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 26, 2020
In a news release, Gov. Tony Evers said he authorized 500 members of the Wisconsin National Guard to support local law enforcement in Kenosha County.
Gov. Evers released the following statement on the unrest in Kenosha that's turned deadly.
“My heart breaks for the families and loved ones of the two individuals who lost their lives and the individual who was injured last night in Kenosha. We as a state are mourning this tragedy. Kathy and I join the people of Wisconsin in offering our condolences to these individuals, their families, and the Kenosha community.
I want to be very clear: we should not tolerate violence against any person. I’m grateful there has already been swift action to arrest one person involved. The individual or individuals whose actions resulted in this tragic loss of life must be held accountable.
A senseless tragedy like this cannot happen again. I again ask those who choose to exercise their First Amendment rights please do so peacefully and safely, as so many did last night. I also ask the individuals who are not there to exercise those rights to please stay home and let local first responders, law enforcement, and members of the Wisconsin National Guard do their jobs.
We must turn from violence and remember that any single act of injustice against one person is less justice for us all. We cannot let the hateful actions of a few designed to create chaos distract us from our pursuit for a more fair, equitable, and accountable state and country for Jacob Blake and the many others who deserve justice. We must work to find strength in each other and our communities to rebuild and move our state forward, together.”
Kenosha County authorities held a news conference to update the public on the unrest Wednesday afternoon, Aug. 26:
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Published: 6:47 a.m. on Aug. 26, 2020
KENOSHA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Members of the Kenosha County Board sent a letter to Governor Tony Evers on Wednesday, August 26 asking for additional National Guard members 'with police powers' be sent to Kenosha.
Gov. Tony Evers issued a statement Tuesday afternoon, saying the Wisconsin National Guard presence will be increased to ensure safety and protect state buildings.
The letter, written by Kenosha County Board Chairman John O’Day and Vice Chairwoman Monica Yuhas, states in part:
"Our county is under attack. Our businesses are under attack. Our homes are under attack. Our local law enforcement agencies need additional support to help bring civility back to our community."
The full letter can be read below: