US: Authorities extend curfew in Kenosha county (Wisconsin) August 24 /update 1

Event

Authorities on Monday, August 24, extended a curfew in place between 20:00 to 07:00 (local time) in Kenosha county (Wisconsin) until Tuesday morning, August 25, due to unrest occurring in the city for the second consecutive night. Protesters gathered in the city's downtown area and set off fireworks before police fired tear gas to disperse them. Demonstrators also gathered at the Civic Center Park. Authorities declared a state of emergency in Kenosha, and the National Guard were deployed to the city. Unrest was reported in the city during the evening of Sunday, August 23, following a police-involved shooting of an African American, Jacob Black. Protesters reportedly set vehicles on fire and marched towards the police headquarters.

Further protests are likely in the coming days, along with a heightened security presence.

Context

Jacob Blake, an African American, was reportedly shot several times by police officers while they were responding to an alleged domestic incident in Kenosha. A video posted online reportedly shows Jacob being shot in the back as he tried to get into his car. Jacob is believed to be in a serious condition; however, police have not provided any details regarding the shooting. The shooting comes amid heightened tensions in the US over police brutality following the killing of African American man George Floyd in May this year.

Advice

Those in Wisconsin are advised to avoid all protests as a precaution, monitor the situation, allow additional travel time in city centres, and heed all instructions issued by local authorities.