Wisconsin governor authorizes National Guard in Kenosha

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers announced Friday that about 500 Wisconsin Army National Guard troops are designated to assist with public safety in Kenosha.

Hundreds of volunteers from other law enforcement agencies already in Kenosha will be joined by the National Guard on standby, ready to deploy if needed, according to a press release.

“We continue to be in close contact with our partners at the local level to ensure the state provides support and resources to help keep the Kenosha community and greater area safe,” Evers said.

Closing arguments in the trial of Kyle Rittenhouse begin Monday.

In August 2020, Rittenhouse, then 17, fatally shot two protestors and wounded a third during protests over the police shooting of Jacob Blake. He is facing multiple charges — including homicide, attempted homicide and reckless endangerment — and has testified that he acted in self-defense.

“We stand ready to support our communities during times of need,” Maj. Gen. Paul Knapp, Wisconsin’s adjutant general, said. “In close coordination with the governor, we have assembled approximately 500 Soldiers to help keep the Kenosha community safe, should a request from our local partners come in.”