How You Can Help Demand Justice for Jacob Blake
Protests have erupted in Kenosha, Wisconsin following the police shooting of Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man, on Sunday evening. He was shot in the back by local police officers as he was entering his SUV, while his three children were in the car. According to Associated Press, Blake was taken to a hospital in serious condition.
The shooting, which was caught on camera, has sparked protests and calls on social media demanding justice for Blake. In a cellphone footage, Blake is seen approaching the driver-side door of his vehicle as officers point their guns and shout at him. When Blake opens the car door, an officer pulls at his shirt and opens fire. The sound of seven gunshots can be heard from the scene.
The officers involved have been put on administrative leave, as the case is being investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice. However, the police have yet to disclose details around the shooting.
“This calls for an immediate, full and transparent investigation and the officers must be held accountable,” Democratic presidential nominee Joe Biden said in a statement. “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.”
Following clashes between protestors and officers in riot gear on Sunday night, Kenosha County issued an 8 p.m. curfew on Monday that will remain in place until Tuesday morning. Jacob Blake’s shooting came as Black Lives Matter rallies across the U.S. continue to condemn police violence, following the killings of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and countless others.
Below, find a continually updated list of resources on how to support the protests and demand Justice for Blake via Hypebae.
To Sign Petitions
Sign the Change.org petition demanding the officers involved in Jacob Blake’s shooting to be held accountable and charged.
To Contact Local and State Officials
Call, or use a pre-written template (circulated on Twitter) to write to the officials below.
Kenosha City Attorney: 262-653-4170
Kenosha District Attorney: 262-653-2400, michael.graveley@da.wi.gov
Kenosha Mayor and City Administration: 262-653-4000, mayor@kenosha.org, cityadministrator@kenosha.org
Kenosha Police Non-Emergency Line: 262-656-1234
Kenosha Police Department Chief of Police: dgm398@kenoshapolice.com
Wisconsin Department of Justice: 608-266-1221
Wisconsin Attorney General: 608-266-1221
Wisconsin Governor: 608-266-1212 (Madison office), 414-227-4344 (Milwaukee office)
To Donate
If able, consider donating to Milwaukee Freedom Fund, which is extending bail and legal support to those protesting in Kenosha.
To help aid volunteer Milwaukee street medics who are supporting medics in Kenosha during this time, contribute to this GoFundMe campaign.
To Register to Vote
Visit Vote.gov to register to vote in upcoming elections in your state.