SUNDAY NIGHT, Jacob Blake of Kenosha was shot seven times in the back by Kenosha police, who were called to the scene for a domestic incident, as he reached into his car. He has been in the hospital since, and his father said Tuesday morning that Blake is paralyzed from the waist down. The shooting was caught on tape, and led to large-scale protests and civil unrest in Kenosha and has garnered nationwide attention. Below are some responses from national leaders and local figures.
Joe Biden, Democratic Nominee for President:
“Yesterday in Kenosha, Wisconsin, Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back as police attempted to restrain him from getting into his car. His children watched from inside the car and bystanders watched in disbelief. And this morning, the nation wakes up yet again with grief and outrage that yet another Black American is a victim of excessive force. This calls for an immediate, full and transparent investigation and the officers must be held accountable.
“These shots pierce the soul of our nation. Jill and I pray for Jacob’s recovery and for his children.
“Equal justice has not been real for Black Americans and so many others. We are at an inflection point. We must dismantle systemic racism. It is the urgent task before us. 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.”
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U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris (D-California), Democratic Nominee for Vice President:
“Jacob Blake should not be fighting for his life right now.
“As Joe Biden said, 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.”
Gov. Tony Evers:
“Tonight, Jacob Blake was shot in the back multiple times, in broad daylight, in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Kathy and I join his family, friends, and neighbors in hoping earnestly that he will not succumb to his injuries.
“While we do not have all of the details yet, what we know for certain is that he is not the first Black man or person to have been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state or our country.
“We stand with all those who have and continue to demand justice, equity, and accountability for Black lives in our country – lives like those of George Floyd, of Breonna Taylor, Tony Robinson, Dontre Hamilton, Ernest Lacy and Sylville Smith.
“And we stand against excessive use of force and immediate escalation when engaging with Black Wisconsinites.
“I have said all along that although we must offer our empathy, equally important is our action. In the coming days, we will demand just that of elected officials in our state who have failed to recognize the racism in our state and our country for far too long.”
Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes:
“You have got to be kidding me.”
Evers and Barnes also held a press conference about the shooting. You can view it here.
Milwaukee Police Association:
“While the video in Kenosha, Wisconsin may show some troubling things, protesting must remain calm. It must remain peaceful. The Milwaukee Police Association does not have any issues with peaceful protesting.
“I am very disturbed by the comments that were made by Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers. Governor Evers appears to be pushing a narrative that completely disrespects law enforcement in our state. As the Governor of Wisconsin, his duty should be to collect all the details before pushing a false ideology. Governor Evers decided to make a statement, not based on facts, but based on hunches. Governor Evers has decided to let his opinions be known. Governor Evers does not know all of the facts. In fact, the MPA does not know all of the facts in this case. Let the investigators do their job and investigate. Let the facts comes out before making a statement that a person has “been shot or injured or mercilessly killed at the hands of individuals in law enforcement in our state”…
“Politicians need to remain calm until everything comes out. By rushing to judgement, without knowing all of the facts, this will only fuel the cause of others to protest in a manner that isn’t peaceful. Reckless comments, without all of the facts, can only lead someone to a rush of judgement which will result in emotions taking over.”
The Kenosha Professional Police Association:
“Anytime deadly force is used, our hearts go out to those affected by it. We assure you an independent investigation is being conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation.
“Until that investigation is completed, we ask that you withhold prejudgment about the incident and please the let process take place. Governor Evers’ statement on the incident was wholly irresponsible and not reflective of the hardworking members of the law enforcement community, not to mention the citizens of the City of Kenosha.
“As always, the video currently circulating does not capture all the intricacies of a highly dynamic incident. We ask that you withhold from passing judgement until all the facts are known and released.
“We, along with the citizens of the great City of Kenosha, ask for peace and to let the process play out fairly and impartially.”
U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin):
“I support a full & thorough investigation into the events leading up to yesterday’s officer-involved shooting in Kenosha.
“While emotions are understandably running high in the Kenosha community and elsewhere, I urge any demonstrators to remain peaceful and give our justice system the opportunity to work.”
U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin):
“The video from Kenosha of a Black man being shot is terrifying to watch and we need a full and independent investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice to get all the facts about this police shooting. As we pray for Jacob Blake to live, let peaceful protests lead the way to the answers we seek, and justice.”
Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley:
“My prayers go out to #JacobBlake that he will survive the critical injuries suffered as he was shot in the back multiple times by Kenosha police. As a father, it breaks my heart that his children went to sleep last night not knowing if their dad would make it through the night.
“Make no mistake, Blake’s wounds are the result of systemic racism, the policies and practices that entangle our institutions and produce racially disparate outcomes, regardless of the intentions of the people who work within them. #NoJusticeNoPeace
“After the murder of George Floyd, MKE County residents took to the streets to demand justice, equity, and accountability for Black lives. Months after Floyd’s death, the people continue to make their voices heard and call for a fundamental change in racial justice in America.
“MKE County started by committing to achieve racial equity and developing the first strategic plan in nearly twenty years through a racial equity lens. But, as a father of young Black children I understand the fierce urgency in which communities of color are demanding change. NOW
“We must listen to the voice of the people and take action to prevent the unnecessary loss of Black lives at the hands of the police. The time for change is always NOW. I stand with my brothers & sisters standing up for Black lives and making their voices heard. #BlackLivesMatter”
U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisconsin):
“What happened to Jacob Blake last night is an all too frequent experience for Black people in America.
“Jacob was shot in the back multiple times in front of his children. We all must treat racism as the public health emergency that it is and take appropriate action to keep other families and communities from being traumatized by these reckless shootings.
“The Wisconsin Department of Justice must conduct a thorough investigation as part of the process of ensuring that police officers are held accountable when excessive, violent force is used.
“I’m also calling for action from the Senate majority leader [Mitch McConnell] to bring the Justice in Policing Act to the Senate floor.
“And I’m calling on the majority in the WI State Legislature to take up the police reform measures laid out by our Governor & Lieutenant Governor earlier this year.”
U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil (R-Wisconsin), who represents Kenosha:
“We need the Wisconsin Department of Justice to conduct a thorough, independent, exhaustive investigation into the officer-involved shooting in Kenosha. We must support each other and our Kenosha community, and we cannot allow violence and destruction.”
State Rep. Tod Ohnstad (D-Kenosha):
“While we are still waiting for further details about how this unfolded, we are all stunned by the events that resulted in a police officer shooting a man named Jacob Blake in our community today.
“As we move forward, we will learn more about what transpired this afternoon. The gravity of the case unquestionably requires investigation. The only focus now must be on ensuring justice is served. Under state law, the Wisconsin Department of Justice will oversee the case as an outside, independent law enforcement agency.
“Throughout my life and career I have marched and acted to overcome injustices wherever I see them. I have stood opposed to excessive force and unnecessary escalation by law enforcement and in support of transparency and accountability. Police are entrusted with great responsibility and must be held to the highest standard.
“Throughout the conversations I have had tonight, in the absence of a greater understanding of what occurred, the primary feeling expressed has been a deep anger and sadness that something like this would happen in our neighborhoods. These are streets where bicycles should be flying by, rather than bullets. My heart and thoughts are with Jacob and his friends and family in the aftermath of this shooting.”
State Rep. Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna), Assembly Majority Leader:
“By now, we’ve all heard what happened in Kenosha. Loss of life in any form is tragic. What we must now do is await further details and see the Department of Justice-lead investigation of this shooting through to its conclusion without racing towards judgment.
“Any protests that occur must be peaceful. Violence begets violence and does nothing to further any cause. While the wheels of justice turn slowly, justice itself is what everyone deserves and cannot be prejudged or predetermined.
“I encourage elected officials to resist the temptation to rush to judgment as well. The frustration and anger that many in our communities are feeling must be met with empathy, but cannot be further fueled by politicians’ statements or actions that can stoke flames of violence.
“What we can and should do is encourage, emphatically, peace in our communities and a fair and just investigation that answers the questions we all have. I hope you’ll all join me in praying for all of those involved.”
State Rep. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine), former Racine police officer and Chair of the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety:
“The video of a Kenosha Police Officer shooting Jacob Blake appears shocking.
“Although the video that is publicly available at this time provides a picture of the incident, it is also important to remember that there is a great deal that cannot be seen, and many witnesses who saw the events leading up to and during the event from different perspectives. That is why there should be, and will be, a thorough, independent investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice into the shooting of Mr. Blake. If the independent investigation shows the shooting to be unjustified, people will be held accountable.
“Exhale. Everyone should take a deep breath. There is an investigatory process that must be followed, so no evidence is overlooked. We must let law and reason, not emotion, guide the next steps. I know passions and tensions are high right now between certain communities and law enforcement. It’s important to realize that tension goes both ways. Although each situation is unique, it is easy to lump every interaction together when it is the perceived reality you live in. But nothing justifies the violence and destruction we saw last night.
“By improving the accountability of police, by increasing community involvement to promote better understandings between the community and police, and by being as transparent as possible, we can permanently improve the situation and change the narrative to the better. The healing won’t occur overnight, but it can and must be improved by working together.
“I hesitate to do this, because the situation in Kenosha stands on its own, but I am extremely shocked by the content of Governor Evers’ statement last night. The best leaders attempt to diffuse situations, not escalate them. Evers’ statement was irresponsible and inflammatory. He jumped to conclusions without first having all the facts. At a time when stereotyping situations is especially risky, Evers stereotyped every police interaction with people of color – harming both.
“Last night, I asked the Governor to provide all necessary assistance to both the city and county of Kenosha, including the National Guard. I was told he was providing such assistance. After the events of yesterday afternoon and Evers’ statement last night, Kenosha will need all the help it can get – especially your prayers.”
State Rep. Greta Neubauer (D-Racine):
“I am horrified, sickened and angry over the police shooting of Jacob Blake last night.
“It is long past time for deep and systemic change. Change in how we police, how we prosecute and how we incarcerate. But also change in how we invest in and strengthen our communities.
“Continued police violence against Black people is a symptom of the systemic racism and white supremacy deeply embedded in our country’s past and present. Leaders at every level — federal, state, local — cannot continue to stand by.
“I support the right to protest in Kenosha and I will be joining people in the streets. Today and in the days to come, my thoughts are with Jacob, his family, and his community, and I am sending them strength in this time.
“#BlackLivesMatter”
Ben Wikler, Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin:
“This evening in Wisconsin, Kenosha police shot an unarmed Black father, Jacob Blake, in front of his children. It’s a sickening, infuriating tragedy, and a symptom of the deadly disease of white supremacy and racism that must be confronted and defeated in our state and nation.
“We send our deepest prayers to Jacob Blake, and wish him and his loved ones strength in his recovery. This is yet another horrifying reminder of the violence of white supremacy, which devalues, maims, and ends Black lives in our state.
“The officer who shot Mr. Blake seven times at point blank range should be investigated, tried, and convicted.
“We don’t yet know the details of this situation. But we know a man was shot in the back in broad daylight.
“We know that Wisconsin is one of the worst states to raise a Black child, is a state that incarcerates Black men at one of the highest rates in the nation, and is a state with a brutal history of police violence.
“Black lives matter. Jacob Blake’s life matters. Our party stands in solidarity with the movement across Wisconsin and nationwide to root out the poison of racism and bring a day where tragedies like tonight’s are painful history, not everyday reality.”
Hillary Clinton:
“I’m praying for Jacob Blake today.
“I’m standing with everyone who believes justice must be served in this horrific case and too many others like it.
“Black lives matter.
“Black lives matter.
“Black lives matter.”
U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders:
“The police who shot Jacob Blake in the back seven times must be fired, arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Congress cannot wait any longer to act forcefully to end the horrific violence against Black Americans at the hands of police.”
U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren:
“Police in Kenosha shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back. His children were watching. I’m holding them all in my heart today and hoping for a full recovery. Police brutality is a daily threat to Black lives. We must demand accountability.”
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth:
“Jacob Blake was shot 7 TIMES in the back by Kenosha police – in front of his children.
“I’m sick and tired of waking up to stories like Jacob’s.
“My heart breaks for his children who saw racial injustice in America in the worst way imaginable.
“We’re better than this.
“And the fact is, we’re not helpless in the face of these tragedies.
“The House passed the Justice In Policing Act months ago.
“We can bring justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery – and #JusticeForJacobBlake.
“Mitch McConnell, hold a vote. #BlackLivesMatter”
U.S. Sen. Cory Booker:
“We have again witnessed an unconscionable shooting of a Black man by police.
“We pray for Jacob Blake and for his family, and demand that justice be served.”
U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez:
“Praying for Jacob Blake, his children and his family.
“It’s not enough to paint slogans. We need systemic change: ending qualified immunity, changing budget priorities, investing in communities harmed by overpolicing and more.
“The solutions are out there. We must act on them.”
Pete Buttigieg, former Mayor of South Bend, Indiana:
“Americans are demanding answers, and justice, after Jacob Blake, a Black man, was shot by police seven times in the back in Kenosha. Prayers for a full recovery after another painful reminder that we must act to confront the urgent crisis of police violence and systemic racism.”
Donald Trump Jr.:
In reference to a video of Kenosha protestors with firearms: “Is this still ‘peaceful protesting?’ 🙄”
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot:
“Yesterday in Wisconsin, a police officer shot Jacob Blake, an unarmed Black man, a father, 7 times in the back. I am deeply disturbed by the video capturing part of the incident. I urge civil & criminal authorities to pursue an immediate & thorough investigation of the shooting.
“We pray that Mr. Blake survives. And we pray for his children, and for peace and justice in Kenosha.”
