Michigan National Guard Heading To Kenosha Amid Protests

Two companies of the Michigan National Guard will be among 2,000 guardsmen authorized to head to Kenosha, Wisconsin, according to a news release. President Donald Trump tweeted on Wednesday he is sending federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Kenosha.

"We will NOT stand for looting, arson, violence, and lawlessness on American streets. My team just got off the phone with Governor Evers who agreed to accept federal assistance (Portland should do the same!)" Trump tweeted.

"TODAY, I will be sending federal law enforcement and the National Guard to Kenosha, WI to restore LAW and ORDER!"

National Guard troops from Arizona and Alabama will join Michigan in adding to Wisconsin National Guard troops already on the ground supporting civil authorities in Kenosha following days of protests after Kenosha police shot and seriously wounded Jacob Blake, a 29-year-old Black man.

Two people were killed during the third night of protests. A 17-year-old from Antioch, Illinois has been arrested and faces a charge of first-degree intentional homicide.

Kenosha Police Chief Daniel Miskinis said a 26-year-old Silver Lake resident and a 36-year-old Kenosha resident were killed in the shooting. A 26-year-old West Allis resident was also shot.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers on Wednesday said he had authorized 500 Wisconsin National Guard members to head to Kenosha. The White House offered to provide federal help, but Evers apparently turned down the assistance before the deadly shootings.

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Thursday release a statement about the move.

“Michigan’s dedicated National Guardsmen and women have played a vital role to keep Michiganders safe in recent months during the pandemic, and they were a key factor in ensuring peaceful protests in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Lansing after the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor earlier this summer,” Whitmer said. “Following a request from Governor Evers, I have authorized the use of two companies of the Michigan National Guard to assist civil authorities with public safety. I am confident that our guardsmen and women will work hard to keep our neighbors in Wisconsin safe while working to protect their First Amendment rights to peaceful assembly.”