MEAWW.COM / NEWS / HUMAN INTEREST

Justice for Jacob Blake: 29-year-old Wisconsin victim stable, Internet helps raise over $436K of $500K goal

Racial tensions have once again erupted in the US after another shooting of a Black man on August 23 at Kenosha

Racial tensions have once again erupted in the US after another alleged shooting of a Black man on August 23 at Kenosha. Jacob Blake was allegedly shot several times by Kenosha police on August 23 as he tried to enter a vehicle. The shooting left the 29-year-old man severely injured and he received treatment at Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee. Large crowds had gathered outside the Kenosha police station and protesters clashed with police officers at the scene of Blake's shooting.

Ben Crump, a lawyer representing Floyd's family and now Blake's, also shared the footage of the shooting online, stating that Blake's three children were inside the car at the time of the shooting. He also added that eyewitnesses said that Blake was trying to break up a fight between two women before police intervened. An investigation into the shooting has been launched by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI). According to an Insider report, it was one of the kids' birthday. 

The incident sparked widespread chaos across the region, with reports of patrol vehicles being targeted and police using tear gas to break up enraged crowds. As the riots intensified in the area, Kenosha County declared a state of emergency curfew. The Kenosha County Sheriff's Department, in a statement, said that the curfew will be in effect until 7 am on August 23. Another fresh curfew was declared, as reported by TMJ4.com, on August 23 afternoon and goes into effect at 8 pm. The curfew is till 7 am on August 25.

A fundraiser on GoFundMe was started for Blake by a person called Julia Jackson. It states: "This is the only official go fund me created by the family of Jacob Blake." The fund, titled Justice for Jacob Blake, has raised over $4,30,000 and has a target of $5,00,000. The description reads: "As we fight for Justice and understanding, our family has and will face many trials during this time. Jacob Blake is a loving father of 6 that deserves proper medical attention and legal representation. We are looking to raise funds to supplement the moral support and prayers we have been receiving. These funds will go toward Jacob’s medical bills, family expenses, legal representation, support for his children and therapy costs."

People came together online to encourage others to donate and seek justice for Blake. One said, "Do everything you can to help Jacob Blake. Donate to the GoFundMe page to make sure he gets the best medical help and legal representation possible, as well as help support his family. Share it around so others can donate."

Another said, "Racism and systemic failures are still happening. I know social moves fast, and can be performative/not indicative of actual action. But I really hope we've all continued to fight for the black community. GoFundMe for Jacob Blake."

Another said, "I have no words anymore. This happens too often. I hope he recovers. In case anyone wants to help, a gofundme has been set up."

According to a latest CNN report, Crump said Blake is in stable condition in an intensive care unit. The report further states that mayor John Antaramian confirmed the National Guard has been asked to be present in the city. The purpose of the troops is to support the needs of local first responders and law enforcement "to protect critical infrastructure and cultural institutions", Governor Tony Evers said in a statement, as quoted by CNN.

On the other hand, Pete Deates, president of the Kenosha Professional Police Association, issued a statement. As reported by Kenosha News, he stated, "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." He added, "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."
 
This incident also had celebrities and public figures coming forward and expressing their opinions. Cardi B posted the video of the incident that has been going around on social media and captioned it, "Wow this is SICKENING! I can’t believe it! What’s going to be the excuse now? They just don’t give a f**k nomore! SOMETHING MUST HAPPEN! Yooo this is insane they really not giving a f**k anymore. Lord please!"

According to a latest USA Today report, Milwaukee Bucks guard George Hill didn't want to talk basketball after defeating the Orlando Magic. He is quoted as saying, "I don’t think we should be talking about basketball today. We should talk about the Blake family and what’s going on. It’s devastating and basketball shouldn’t even be on our mind right now. We’re thankful for the win, but none of this really matters."

Presidential candidate Joe Biden tweeted, "Yesterday, Jacob Blake was shot seven times in the back by police. His kids watched from the car. Today, we woke to grieve yet again. We need a full and transparent investigation."