Violence escalated in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Monday night as large groups of rowdy Black Lives Matters protesters-turned-rioters began congregating around the Kenosha County Courthouse.
Rioting, arson, looting, and violence first permeated the 100,000-person town of Kenosha on Sunday evening after police shot Jacob Blake, a black man, seven times in the back.
The destruction of Kenosha, however, continued throughout Monday.
Earlier tonight protesters marched through Kenosha. pic.twitter.com/T3cAgzMz5D
— Sophie Carson (@SCarson_News) August 25, 2020
NOW: Protesters are getting closer to the line-up chanting that they want justice, and if not “shut it down.” pic.twitter.com/WMcuZF5ycS
— Hillary Flores (@hgflores_) August 24, 2020
BLM march now going through the residential area of Kenosha. pic.twitter.com/2xf9EZvn91
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) August 25, 2020
According to on-the-ground reporters, gatherings on Monday night became rowdy as rioters began throwing projectiles at police officers. Tear gas, pepper balls, and other “munitions” were deployed against rioters as they continued to cause mass chaos by throwing and burning things.
A person just launched a glass bottle at the line of officers, prompting them to raise their shields. More bottles (glass and plastic) are being thrown pic.twitter.com/zhVZ8miELS
— Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) August 25, 2020
More officers just came out of the courthouse pic.twitter.com/QqS6kAhkrX
— Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) August 25, 2020
Police deploy tear gas outside the Kenosha County Courthouse after multiple warnings to the crowd to stop throwing objects at the cops. pic.twitter.com/CXKmgly4s2
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) August 25, 2020
Police push back some agitators by firing pepper balls and the formation moves up to establish a bigger perimeter outside the Kenosha County Courthouse. pic.twitter.com/IKmERJAmOe
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) August 25, 2020
The crowd retreated after crowd control munitions were deployed pic.twitter.com/zsIWMTFrcz
— Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) August 25, 2020
A rioter poured gasoline on a Kenosha garbage truck and set it on fire. pic.twitter.com/sjf7A6np03
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) August 25, 2020
A garbage truck has been lit on fire in Kenosha, WI right next to the courthouse: pic.twitter.com/mJaSVFYBnR
— Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) August 25, 2020
A big group is now on the move, breaking street lights and cars pic.twitter.com/ZjAxZ9H8Fp
— Shelby Talcott (@ShelbyTalcott) August 25, 2020
The National Guard, however, did not appear on the scene until after multiple trucks were lit on fire.
???: Finally spotted the National Guard deploying to downtown Kenosha. pic.twitter.com/HphTjim4WG
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) August 25, 2020
Democratic Gov. Tony Evers attempted to take action Monday by deploying the National Guard, charged with the responsibility of “guarding infrastructure and making sure our firefighters and others involved are protected.”
After Sunday night’s destruction, Kenosha’s Democratic Mayor John Antaramian also enacted an 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew, calling on people to stay home, but many disregarded the curfew and took to the streets anyway.
When Antaramian attempted to give a press conference on Monday regarding the shooting, he quickly retreated indoors as tensions in the crowd increased.
Just a few minutes ago the Mayor of Kenosha, John Antaramian, was supposed to give a press conference addressing the shooting of Jacob Blake. He went back inside and tensions arised between officials and protesters. Protesters were pepper sprayed. pic.twitter.com/iZzZ1APKJE
— Hillary Flores (@hgflores_) August 24, 2020
Chronology a bit confusing I know. But- this video is after the planned 2:30 news conference in the park was moved the safety building, crowd rushed over there, few were let in, mayor came out to speak with crowd.
Some began shouting back at him. This woman has a bullhorn. pic.twitter.com/BPFGmu2MzN— Sophie Carson (@SCarson_News) August 25, 2020
“Knock his ass out” is heard as the mayor of Kenosha John Antaramian enters the Kenosha County Public Safety Building after failing to do a press conference. Moments after this pepper spray was thrown out to the crowd. pic.twitter.com/T6dQvaHLZF
— María Guerrero (@themariague) August 24, 2020
Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian retreats back inside the Public Safety building after someone points out his “first couple words were not even valid.” pic.twitter.com/75w7ATaaGW
— The Recount (@therecount) August 24, 2020
Kenosha Mayor John Antaramian confirms the National Guard has been called in following the police’s shooting of unarmed Jacob Blake; confirms 8PM – 7AM curfew is being enforced. pic.twitter.com/3beTIPBKPh
— The Recount (@therecount) August 24, 2020
While the official Democratic National Committee Twitter shared words of support for the man injured in the shooting and made calls for “justice and accountability in policing,” there were no words of support for any of the Democratic leadership in charge of Kenosha and Wisconsin amid the rioting.
Jacob Blake was shot in the back 7 times by law enforcement. As we wish for his speedy recovery, Democrats stand with all those calling for justice and accountability in policing. We will continue fighting to end police violence.
— The Democrats (@TheDemocrats) August 24, 2020
