This archive report was first published on 25 August 2020.
On Sunday, August 23, 2020, a disturbing incident unfolded in Kenosha, Wisconsin, leaving a 29-year-old black man paralyzed.
According to eyewitnesses, Jacob Blake was shot multiple times in the back by a police officer at close range as he moved towards a car. The incident occurred shortly after 5:00 pm.
Blake's father has spoken out against the incident, stating that his son is now paralyzed. However, doctors have not revealed if the paralysis is permanent.
Blake's father also revealed that his son has eight bullet wounds.
"What justified all those shots?" his father asked. "What justified doing that in front of my grandsons? What are we doing?"
Just moments after the shooting, hundreds of residents poured into the city, with some rallying at the Kenosha police headquarters. The situation escalated, with protesters setting cars and buildings ablaze. The police urged 24-hour business owners to reconsider closing due to the rising tension and robberies in the city.
Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers responded to the situation by asking the National Guard to assist the local police. A curfew was imposed on the city, but protesters defiantly disregarded the order, prompting the police to disperse them using tear gas, rubber bullets, and smoke bombs.
The shooting incident has sparked protests not only in Kenosha but also in other cities, including Portland and Minneapolis.
According to reports, the police were allegedly responding to a domestic violence incident, but it is unclear what prompted the shooting and how many officers were involved.
Blake's lawyer stated that he was trying to "de-escalate a domestic incident" when the police drew their gun and started shooting him.
A witness who took the video and spoke to CNN revealed that he saw police wrestle, punch, and taser Mr. Blake.
Blake's fiancée questioned why the police would shoot someone who is unarmed, recounting how the children in the back seat screamed when their dad was being shot.
"I've been yelling that the whole time, let me get my kids. So that's not important to y'all. What's important is killing somebody," she added.
Authorities reported that the officers involved have provided immediate assistance to Mr. Blake and have been sent to an administrative leave.
The incident has emerged at a time when the US is still reeling from the previous shooting of African American George Floyd, who was also fatally shot by the police.
