Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker activated the National Guard on Sunday to help law enforcement if needed after approximately 100 individualsrioted the night before in Milwaukee over the fatal police shooting of an armed man.
“[I] have activated the Wisconsin National Guard to be in a position to aid local law enforcement upon request,” Walker said in a press release announcing the decision.
The decision, made in conjunction with Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke, Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett, and Adjutant General Donald Dunbar, came after four businesses were torched in a riot triggered by the shooting of an armed man who fled police at a traffic stop.
me of the demonstration, but theMilwaukee Journal Sentinel has reported the man’s identity as Sylville Smith. The paper reports that Smith had a lengthy arrest record, including charges for a shooting and trying to intimidate a witness of the same shooting.
The Sherman Park neighborhood of Milwaukee, where the National Guard was called to, is a predominantly black, lower-income neighborhood with a reputation for crime, Reuters noted. The neighborhood has been calm throughout Sunday however. The state is investigating the incident.
Walker said he would “not comment on the specifics of the case” during the probe.
“I do, however, hope people will give law enforcement the respect they deserve for working so hard to keep us safe,” he said.
Walker also thanked the individuals who assisted Sunday morning in cleaning the streets.
“This act of selfless caring sets a powerful example for Milwaukee’s youth and the entire community,” he said. “I join Milwaukee’s leaders and citizens in calling for continued peace and prayer.”
As reported by Business Insider