US: Black Lives Matter protesters gather in Kenosha August 29 /update 4

Event

Black Lives Matter protesters have started to gather for demonstrations in Kenosha (Wisconsin state) as a mass rally is planned in the city on Saturday, August 29. National Guard units comprising more than 1000 soldiers are in the city with orders to stop potential violent clashes or unrest during marches on Saturday afternoon. Reports indicate that a demonstration was scheduled to commence at 14:00 (local time) at the Regimen Barber Collective, before participants march to Kenosha County Courthouse. However, rallies are to be anticipated across the city. 

A heightened security presence is to be expected in Kenosha over the near term, with associated disruption to transportation likely.

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. Blake was reportedly paralyzed from the waist down. The incident has sparked mass protests in Kenosha denouncing police violence. Two people were shot dead in Kenosha on Wednesday, August 26, amid the protests. The shooting of Jacob Blake comes amid heightened tensions in the US over police brutality following the killing of African American man George Floyd in May. 

Advice

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